Marian Rita Halpin, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend, passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 90.

Rita was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 18, 1936, to William Francis Halpin, Sr. and Hildagarde Meinert Halpin. She was the youngest of her siblings, her sister, Mary Margaret McLafferty, and her two brothers, Joe Halpin and Bill Halpin, who proceeded her in death.

Family was at the heart of Rita's life. She leaves behind her children, Michael Manna and his girlfriend, Pat Moran; Susan Kuehnle and her husband, David; Leland Manna and his wife, Teresa. She was a loving grandmother to Brendan Manna, Andrew Kuehnle, Kelsie Chaplin, Brian Kuehnle, cherished great-grandmother to Josie Lee Chaplin and step-great-granddaughter Nora Chaplin.

Rita attended St. Mark’s for both grade school and high school, then furthered her education taking evening classes at St. Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a secretary and then became Assistant to the Chairman of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine retiring after 35 years of service.

A devout Catholic, Rita was a longtime member of Incarnate Word Parish in Chesterfield, Missouri. Her faith was an important part of her life and was reflected in the compassion and service she offered to others. The people in Guatemala held a special place in her heart with many visits to see her brother Joe who served as a Maryknoll missionary priest for 60 years.

Rita devoted 35 years as a Hospice and Mercy Care Companion volunteer, caring for the sick and supporting their families during some of life's most difficult moments. She was honored with The President’s Volunteer Service Award, Mercy Hospice Heart of Hospice Award, and VOYCE Exceptional Caregiver Award. Her years of service were a beautiful reflection of her generous spirit and deep concern for others.

Rita served on the board of directors for Felice Cuores, a dance for the physically handicapped and developmentally disabled adults held at St. Clare of Assisi. She embraced these young people and enjoyed their smiles and laughter.

Rita found her greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially those that brought family together which often included Imo’s pizza or White Castles. She loved playing Rummikub and cards and spending time with family. These gatherings brought laughter and a little friendly competition. She also enjoyed tennis, bike riding, sewing, quilting, and crocheting. She was a member of West County Single Catholics and had a gift for making people feel welcome and always brought people together.

Rita's life was one of faith and family. She loved to have fun and would never pass up a chance to dance the night away. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy of faith, compassion, and service will live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate our mom's life during a visitation on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur, Missouri.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Patrick Hambrough on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Incarnate Word Catholic Church, 13416 Olive Boulevard, Chesterfield, Missouri. Following the Mass, burial will take place at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery, 740 North Mason Road, St. Louis, Missouri, after which family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon at Andre’s Banquet Hall, 13366 W Watson Road, St. Louis, Missouri to continue celebrating a life so beautifully lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Global Learning Exchange Initiative at glxi.org/make-a-tribute or mail gift to 8050 Watson Road, Ste. 240, St. Louis, MO 63119.