Rita McEachen Neal

Rita Marie McEachen Neal (82 years) passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12th in Grand Rapids, Michigan after a beautiful day surrounded by family and friends. She passed in her sleep next to her husband of 57 years. Rita was born on July 14, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Saint Agnes High School in Detroit in 1960, then Nazareth College in Kalamazoo, MI in 1964 with a degree in Medical Technology. Later, as a mother, she earned a Master's Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Marygrove College in Detroit. Her second career was as a Hospital Chaplain at Grace Hospital, Bon Secours Hospital, and Providence Hospital. She was a lifelong caregiver of others, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Her compassion, kindness and love for others was apparent in everything she did. Anyone who spent even a few minutes with Rita felt loved. Over the years Rita ministered to others in many ways, a few include Clowning Ministry and Jail Ministry, and the Faith and Sharing Retreat. Rita is mourned and celebrated by her husband, Daniel Clinton Neal, her three children, Timothy Neal (Carol), Meghan Neal-Sienko (Grant), and Mary Rita Neal, her grandchildren: Helena Grace Sienko, Brady Griffin Neal, and Grant Joseph Sienko, her brothers and sisters: Dennis McEachen (Rosanne), Lawrence McEachen (Avis), Patricia McAskin, James McEachen (Paula), Donald McEachen (Shelia), John McEachen (Kari), Joan McEachen, James Karagon (Beverly Green). Rita is predeceased by her father, Angus McEachen, her mother, Helen (McHale) McEachen, her sister, Mary (McEachen) Karagon (James), her brother, Ronald McEachen (Maureen), and her brother-in-law, Michael McAskin. A Visitation for Rita will be held on Wednesday, April 16, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm with a Rosary and Sharing of Memories at 6:30 pm at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (4 blocks. E. of Woodward), Royal Oak, 48067. Rita will lie in state on Thursday, April 17, from 9:30 am until time of Communion Service at 10:30 am at Christ the King Catholic Church, 20800 Grand River, Detroit, 48219. Rita will be laid to rest at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Wyandotte, MI. She will have a Green Burial. Donations in Rita's memory may be made to the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, MI 48207 (www.thecapuchins.org) or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 29777 Telegraph Rd. Suite 1651, Southfield, MI 48034 (www.nmssmi.org).

Rita McEachen Neal

July 14, 1942 - April 12, 2025