Rita A. Neale

Rita Angela Neale was the sixth of eleven children born to Deacon Joseph L. Neale Sr. and Rita P. Carberry Neale on December 17, 1955 in Baltimore, Maryland. She transitioned from this earth on Thursday, June 13, 2019. Rita was a member of St. Edward Roman Catholic Church, the parish of her Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage, but was also known to attend St. Francis of Assisi, Most Precious Blood and St. Matthew Catholic Churches. She received her early education at St. Edward School, Father Charles A. Hall School and went on to St. Francis Academy, graduating in 1974. After high school, Rita worked a number of jobs, including as a cook at St. Francis Xavier Headstart, as a licensed cosmetologist in her spare time, and for both the Catholic High School of Baltimore as a part-time evening custodian and the City of Baltimore where she was employed full-time for over thirty years until she recently took sick leave to focus on her health. In 1989, Rita married James Thomas-El. Their marriage ended in divorce, but they maintained a lasting friendship. Rita embodied the model set by her parents with a strong work ethic and a willingness to help those in need without expecting much in return. Those who knew Rita knew she was the right person to have in your corner during a difficult time, and she balanced her big heart with tough love and a dose of honesty when the situation called for it. She met any challenge with determination and an optimistic attitude and encouraged others to do the same. Rita enjoyed her social life and had a great love for her family and friends. Whether it was hosting a birthday celebration or showing up at someone else's event, people could depend on her to offer support. Rita like to entertain at her home and prepare an impressive spread of food. She cared for her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children and any close friends would become extended members of the family. She will greatly missed. Rita was preceded in death by her father, Deacon Joseph L. Neale Sr.; her siblings, Rachel Neale, Gerard Neale, Helena Bunch and Julia N. Montgomery; aunts Marie C. Consad, Dorothy M. Neale and sister Majella Neale, OSP.; and uncles James V. Carberry, John Allen Carberry, Bernard Carberry, and Paul Neale Sr. Rita leaves to cherish her memory: her mother, Rita P. Neale; brothers Joseph Jr., Samuel (Carla), Michael and John Neale Sr., sisters Catherine Neale and Michael Whyte, special friend Larry Jackson, and host of other relatives and friends.

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Rita A. Neale

December 17, 1955 - June 13, 2019