Obituary of Rita Rae Keefe

Rita Rae Keefe, age 74, of Shelton, beloved wife of the late Joseph Paul Klanko, died peacefully on November 6, 2022 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family.  Born in Derby on June 6, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Raymond Patrick and Ann Elizabeth Wall Keefe.  Ms. Keefe was a graduate of Laurelton Hall High School, Southern Connecticut State University and earned her 6^th Year Certificate from Fairfield University.  She was a grammar schoolteacher and reading specialist for the Derby Board of Education for 37 years, until her retirement in 2007.  Ms. Keefe dedicated her life to the education of children and inspired many students from her classrooms at Lincoln and Irving Schools. Socially conscience, Ms. Keefe advocated for women’s issues, social justice and equality for all people.   She was a voracious reader and read every Sunday New York Times, cover to cover.  Together with her husband, Joe, she traveled the world and experienced countless adventures, locally and abroad.  They were active and devoted grandparents, supporting their grandchildren in every sporting & educational endeavor.  Ms. Keefe is survived by her sister, Sue Ann Keefe, RSM of West Hartford, her stepdaughter, Kristin Rollinson and her husband, David of Shelton; cherished grandchildren, Eliza and David Rollinson of Shelton; a dear friend, Pam Michaels, RSM of West Hartford; as well as her team of caregivers, Sue, Linda, Christiana and Haley.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the St. Mary’s Campus of Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish, 212 Elizabeth Street, Derby.  Interment will directly follow in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Derby.  Family and friends may call at the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, on Saturday morning from 8:30 to 10:00 AM, prior to Mass.  Memorial contributions may be made to the children’s room at the Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT 06418.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.