Obituary of Rita J. McElwain

Rita J. McElwain, 87, of Malone, NY., and formerly of North Bangor, NY., passed away Saturday afternoon, December 30, 2017, at the U.V.M. Health Network Alice Hyde Medical Center, in Malone, with her loving husband and family by her side. She had been a patient there since December 29.

Born in Malone, NY., June 11, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Elvin and Mae Harte Wylie. She attended St. Joseph’s Academy in Malone.

On October 30, 1948, she was united in marriage to Gerald L. McElwain, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, in Constable, NY., by the late Rev. Charles Campeau. He survives.

She was a communicant of St. Augustine’s Church, in North Bangor, NY., and a life member of the Altar Rosary Society. She was also a long time member of the North Bangor Senior Citizens. Rita enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening and shopping.

Her most precious moments were spent with her family and friends. She and her husband were foster parents for many children.

Along with her husband, Gerald, she is survived by one son, Ronald McElwain and his companion, Paula Ives of Balston Spa, NY., two daughters and sons-in-law, Constance and Timothy Marlow of Malone, NY., and Sandra and Dell Ray Thomas of Massena, NY., a foster daughter, Sr. Constance Richards of Davenport, IA., twelve grandchildren, twenty nine great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. There were five children that she provided day care for many years, Ashley, Angela, Erin, Megan and Morgan.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by one son, Brent McElwain, one daughter -in-law, Helene M. McElwain, three brothers, Arlington, Wayne and William Wylie, one sister, Shirley Wylie and one grandson, Ronald McElwain, Jr.

There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 a.m., at St. Augustine’s Church, in North Bangor, NY., with the Rev. Raymond Moreau officiating. Burial will be in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, in Constable, NY., in the Spring.

Donations may be made in her memory to St. Augustine’s Church.

Arrangements are through the Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Service, Inc. of Malone, NY.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brusofuneralservice.com.