Mary Rita Falvey

Mary Rita Falvey 

July 19,1930 - February 16, 2025 

Mary “Rita”, as she was affectionately known, from East Hartford, CT, beloved wife of the late Daniel M. Falvey, Jr., passed away on February 16, 2025 at the age of 94. Her family delighted in her wit, her graciousness and unending hospitality. She was the true definition of love. Her compassion for people knew no bounds and she knew just the right words to comfort you. She was a “deep” listener, as she gave you her undivided attention, no matter how big or small your concerns were. You knew you were seen and heard. She was never short on patience and saw the good in people and treated everyone with great kindness. Her delicate, gentle touch as she would rub your back, was legendary amongst her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The holidays were grand as we were spoiled by delicious cooking and she decorated with flair for each occasion.  

Rita was a talented artist from an early age who was offered a full scholarship to Rhode Island School of Design but instead went to Bryant College to become an Executive Secretary. Rita’s paintings were exhibited at the banks in downtown Hartford, which was a custom at the time for artists. It was there that Rita was introduced to the Society of Cincinnati, which dates to the American Revolutionary Period. She was commissioned by the Society to create a painting of “The Last Hour of Nathan Hale” which is on display at the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, CT. She also has a painting at the “Anderson House,” Headquarters, Library and Museum, Society of Cincinnati in Washington D.C. Our homes also showcase her beautiful artwork. Although Rita was a very talented artist, she was extremely humble about her talent. She would say, “Oh anyone can do it!” 

Rita and her beloved husband, Dan, built and created a magical place for the family at the beach in Rhode Island. The “cottage” was a place of welcoming, replete with laughter, sunburns, sunsets, carousel rides, nibbles in the sunroom and incredible memories.  

The family considered themselves to be extremely blessed by being a part of the Falvey (McGill) clan. Rita was spirit-filled and passed on her strong Catholic faith tradition to her family. We cherish this gift, as she was an example of truly living her faith. 

Rita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her 3 children, daughter Denise and Deacon Bill Bartlett of Portland, her sons, Daniel H. Falvey of East Hartford, and James and Sarah Falvey of West Hartford. She leaves 7 adored grandchildren, Jennifer (Bartlett) Witschy and her husband Ian, Kimberly (Bartlett) Fournier and her husband Sean, William Jr. and his wife, Corie Bartlett, Amber Falvey, Daniel Falvey, Cassie Falvey, and Jay Falvey. She also leaves 7 great-grandchildren, Liam, Aidan and Maura Witschy, Reid, and Connor Fournier, as well as Mairead, and William Bartlett. Rita was predeceased by her older brothers, John and Henry McGill, and leaves behind her brother, James McGill, of Norwich, CT, as well as many nieces and nephews. In memory of Rita, donations may be made to Haitian Health Foundation, 97 Sherman St., Norwich, Ct. 06360.

A Funeral Mass will be Saturday February 22, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Patrick's Cathedral 213 Broadway Norwich, Connecticut with burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich.

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