Rita Inez Shingler

Rita Inez Shingler, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, at the age of 88. She was born on February 10, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY to Samuel and Inez Larrier. Rita graduated from Sarah J. Hale Vocational High School. With her cute smile and sassy fashion sense, she soon caught the eye of John Shingler (Pappy), whom she married. Together, they had three beautiful girls: Kimberly, Michelle, and Deidre. For many years, Rita worked as a dedicated residential caregiver in several group homes, including Mercy Home for Children, where she specialized in caring for residents with developmental disabilities. Her work reflected her compassionate nature and commitment to helping others. Rita’s home was a gathering place for celebrations, heart-to-heart conversations, and shared meals with family and friends. Rita loved entertaining and playing her favorite card games, Blackjack, Pokeno, and Spades. We’ve crowned her “Queen of Pokeno”. She brought joy and laughter to every game night. Rita was preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Inez Larrier, her brothers Wilfred Larrier (Alma), Reynold Larrier (Naomi), Irving Larrier, Cossie Larrier (Ruth), and Kingsley Larrier (Phyllis), her sisters Athlene Brewster, Phyllis Bascus (Ossie), Dorothy King (Willie), Mildred Griffith (George), and Sylvia Kearse (Valentine), and by her son-in-love, Michael McNeally, and her grandson Craig Shields. Rita is survived by her daughters Kimberly McNeally, Michelle Shields (Leon), and Deidre Williams (Dwayne), her grandchildren Kristine McNeally, Mone’ Shields, Curtis McNeally (Hope), Monique Shields, Deann Williams, Danielle Williams, and Leon Shields III, and her great-grandchildren Kayla McNeally, Da’Maris Shields, Nicholas Mancilla, Theo McNeally, Jayce Shields, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Rita lived a life full of love, strength, and devotion. She never met a stranger, always welcoming everyone, and with her gift of gab, she was one to always tell the best stories (her version). Rita was a blessing to all and will truly be missed.