Rita Donegan

Rita Donegan, 85, Jamestown, N.D., died Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at Ave Maria Village, Jamestown, N.D.

Rita Josephine Dailey was born March 18, 1924, in Warwick, N.D., the daughter of Mark and Florence (Boyle) Dailey. In 1934, her family moved to New Rockford, N.D. where she attended St. James Academy and graduated in 1942. She worked in a clothing store in New Rockford until 1946 when she married Francis John Donegan and moved to Jamestown.

She was a busy wife and mother. Rita was an involved member of St. James Basilica parish and a strong supporter of Saint John's Academy. She was active in the restoration of the Basilica and helped start the Confraternity of Christian Education Program for St. James parish, now known as the Faith Formation. She served meals for Bishops and clergy on special occasions. She was a member of St. James Tabernacle Society, Immaculate Conception Circle, and the Veterans of Foreign War Auxiliary. She was involved in the local railroad community and her large extended family.

She was an excellent seamstress and especially liked doing alterations. For several years she worked for Keith's Clothing and sewed formals for her daughters and many of the girls in the community. She was especially proud of the vestments she made for the priests of St. James. Rita was known and loved for her hospitality. She was particularly proud of her Irish heritage. Her Irish meals were tasty, served with tea on distinctive, colorful table settings, complete with candles and seasonal decorations. Friends of all ages enjoyed an evening of cards at Rita's house or a night gathered round the patio fire pit eating s'mores.

Survivors include her husband, Francis; a son, Michael (Katie), Seattle, WA; two daughters, Peggy (Al) Clark, Las Vegas, NV, and Mary Donegan, Boulder, CO; her brother, Joseph (Susan), Minot, ND; five grandchildren, Brianna and Megan Donegan, Kara Clark, and Brian and Daniel Goldstein. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Patrick.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown, ND.

Visitation: Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Lisko Funeral Chapel, Jamestown, ND and 1 hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. Monday at St. James Basilica.

Interment: North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.