Rita A. Farrelly

Rita A. Farrelly a former Brewster, New York, resident passed away Friday, February 5, 2010, in Orlando, Florida after a courageous 3 ½-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 63 years old.

Rita was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 29, 1946 daughter of the late Stephen and Mary (Coyne) Dowd. On November 22, 1969 she married John Farrelly in Queens, New York. They lived in Brewster for 33 years and were members of St. Joseph’s Church in Croton Falls. Rita worked for AT&T for many years. She then worked at Lord & Taylor in Danbury as a sales associate before moving to Leesburg, Florida. She enjoyed gardening, exercise and photography but above all she loved spending time with her family. Rita was loved by all and touched the hearts of everyone she met, she will be sadly missed.

In addition to her devoted husband John of Leesburg, Florida, she is survived by her son, Kevin Farrelly and his wife Jessica, of Waterbury, Conn., son, Thomas Farrelly and his wife Julie of Waterbury, Conn., brother, Stephen Dowd and his wife Mary Jane, of Fort Myers, Florida, sister-in-law, Kathy Dowd of Manchester, New Jersey, and three grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother Vincent Dowd.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church in Croton Falls on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 11am. Interment will be private. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 11 at Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Ave., Brewster, NY from 4-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Association.