Rita Preisser McGoldrick, of Lexington, MA, formerly of Bronxville, NY, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026.
Rita was born in Troy, NY, the daughter of Mary and John Howard. She was a proud graduate of Lauralton Hall in Milford, CT, the College of New Rochelle, and received her master’s from Fairfield University.
Rita began her teaching career at Milford High School and went on to teach at Our Lady of Good Counsel Academy in White Plains for 28 years, where she served for many years as chair of the English Department.
Rita was predeceased by her first husband, Walter J. Preisser, and her second husband, Thomas J. McGoldrick.
She is survived by her three daughters and their families: Laura (Timothy) Grozier and their children, Katherine, Matthew, and Timothy; Megan (Edward) Donahue and their children, Colleen, Caitlin, and Thomas; and Claire (Juan Alcácer) Preisser and their children, Sophia and Jacob.
Rita inspired many with her quiet strength, steadfast faith—and unmistakable sense of style. She is widely remembered by former students as a demanding but deeply influential teacher. Rita was named the 1993 Teacher of Excellence by the New York State English Council. In 2013, she received the Sr. Constance Conroy, RDC ’43 Lifetime Achievement Award from Good Counsel Academy. Rita was honored with the Ursula Laurus Citation from the College of New Rochelle, recognizing her commitment to the ideals of an Ursuline education.
As a longtime member of the Larchmont Shore Club, Rita loved her time at the beach and pool—and especially reading on the OLP (Old Ladies’ Porch). But above all, Rita cherished her time with family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1 at 9:45 AM at Saint Joseph’s Church, 15 Cedar Street, Bronxville, New York. Interment will follow at Holy Mount Cemetery in Eastchester, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the St. Catherine Center for Special Needs, 760 Tahmore Drive, Fairfield, CT 06825.
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Melissa Caporale says
April 23, 2026 at 1:06 pmMrs. McGoldrick was a wonderful teacher. I first met her as a freshman when she was my homeroom teacher. Later on, she would be my English and eventually AP teacher. We became closer as we worked on the student publication, Maria. She wrote me a beautiful letter of recommendation for college. I still cherish the words she shared, 33 years later. Mrs. McGoldrick believed in me before I even believed in myself. I wish her family all the love and peace as they grieve for their loss. She was a special lady.
Barbara Correira says
April 23, 2026 at 2:12 pmMrs. McGoldrick was a wonderful teacher who really encouraged me to challenge myself and pushed me to think critically and strive for excellence. I have fond memories of working on the literary magazine, Maria, with her and of thoughtful discussions during English class. I am sorry for your loss and I hope you know how well-respected she was and how she made a lasting impression on so many students. May perpetual light shine upon her and eternal rest grant unto her.
Grace Byrne says
April 23, 2026 at 2:37 pmSending heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Rita McGoldrick.
Mrs. McGoldrick was my freshman English teacher at GCA back in 1975. She introduced me to the beautiful, sad, moving, and poetic world of Shakespeare. Her enthusiasm and her delight in sharing great works of literature came through every day in her classroom. I remember her vividly and fondly. She was a kind soul who touched many lives. More than she probably ever knew. Lucky to have been a part of her world, and though it was only 1 year in my education, she made an impact on what would become a life long love of literature and poetry. Bless you Mrs McGoldrick. And, to quote our dear friend Mr. Shakespeare, ” May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest”.
Mary Liz Lynch says
April 25, 2026 at 3:41 pmRita was such a classy, intelligent and polished woman. I remember her sitting at LSC either at the pool or on the OLP reading or spending time with friends. I am sorry for your loss and prayers and thoughts especially to you-Meghan, Laura and Claire. Rita was always interested in how others were doing . She was such a nice woman and so proud as she spoke and caught others up on how you and your families were doing. She was so proud of all of you and beamed talking about you all. May she rest in peace.
Theresa Vitale says
April 27, 2026 at 12:19 amMrs. McGoldrick had a vested interest in her students. She treated each of us as individuals who learn in different ways. She encouraged us to reach our full potential and believe in our abilities. She saw things in me that I would have never seen. RIP Mrs. McGoldrick. My condolences to her family.
Deborah Curran says
April 30, 2026 at 2:10 pmI am so sorry to hear of Rita’s death. She was a wonderful friend. I enjoyed her compamionship over the years as we shared recolections of our time at CNR and our classmatts there, also the bookclub get-togethers we had at our homes here in Bronxville. She especially loved Brideshead Revisted by Evalyn Waugh, which we discussed two times at her suggestion I am missing her terribly ..