Rita Marie Ireland

"Family was the most important part of her life"

Rita Marie (Ardisson) (Troy) Ireland, 90, formerly of Naugatuck, CT, died peacefully January 15, 2025 at her home. Rita was the widow of Weldon Ireland and the widow of Gerard "Gary" Troy, whom she was married to for 39 years.

Rita was born September 2, 1934 in Turtle Creek, PA a daughter of the late James and Lucy Ardisson. Rita retired in 1999 from the Chemical Division of Uniroyal, Inc., where she had worked as a bookkeeper. 

Rita's family was the most important part of her life and always remained her priority. She never failed to make each and every one feel special, valued and loved. She would meticulously write out and send each and every one of her children and all 43 grandchildren and great grandchildren combined, birthday cards, sorting and categorizing them to make sure they went out on time. Game shows, along with word games on her IPad were her favorite pastimes.

Rita is survived by her children, Gary Troy (Holly) of Hanover, PA, Richard Troy (Darcy) of Moncks Corner, SC, Judith Tardy of Naugatuck, CT, Barbara Wasilesky of Clermont, FL and Patricia Giunta of Port St. Lucie, FL; 15 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Rita was predeceased by her infant daughter, Brenda Lee Troy, her sister, Louise Botti, her brother, James Ardisson and her special companion of 15 years, Roland Hughes.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 10:00am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT. 

Everyone attending Mass is kindly asked to please meet directly at church. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Cross Street, Naugatuck, CT. Calling hours are Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 4:00-6:00pm at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck, CT 06770. 

In lieu of flowers and to honor Rita's memory, the family requests donations be made to VNA Hospice of Hanover & Spring Grove, 440 Madison Street, Hanover, PA 17331, phone (717) 637-1227 or at www.vnahanover.org, and under "giving" there is a printable donation form and instructions. Rita's family cannot thank them enough for their dedication, care and overall support during this difficult journey.