Rita Jean Cahill

Rita Cahill, age 81, died on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at her home in Hastings.

Though Rita was one of fourteen siblings, she was truly one of a kind. Rita’s gift to the world was her innate ability to connect with people and to “see” them without judgement. Although Alzheimer’s took her life, it never took her spirit.

Rita didn’t always follow the common sense guidelines of parenting - if she needed to drive up a slippery hill in winter, she would place her dog AND kids in the trunk for extra weight. Rita didn’t travel for the sake of adventure, she traveled to be with her family and friends and to stop at all garage sales and thrift shops. She demonstrated that a meal did not necessarily need to be good to bring people together.

Rita had various jobs over the years - a school bus aide for troubled youth, a self employed dog groomer, a nursing aide, and was the Activity Director at Haven Home Nursing Home. She also owned a business selling women’s clothing.

Rita’s mind moved at warp speed and she became bored easily. Consequently, she mastered more crafts than anyone on this side of the Mississippi. She spent countless hours creating cards, stained glass, jewelry, dolls, Christmas ornaments, paintings and sewing hats/scarves/gloves/blankets. She never made just one thing, she massed produced everything and gave 99% away. She was most happy when she did these things with her friends and grandchildren.

Rita was grounded by her spiritual belief and she offered faith based support to endless people in bible studies and to those who needed hope. Janey Weiland, Rita Doffing and Rita performed as amateur clowns to spread their faith.

Rita was born November 17, 1943 to Lucy and George Robinson. Her 1963 marriage to John Cahill lasted just shy of 62 years and together they raised three amazing kids - John, Kelly and Kurt. Rita was a Mom who was always encouraging and supportive of her kids. And the kids were supportive of Rita as well. They helped her to quit smoking by putting cigarette loads into the ends of her cigarettes - which caused them to explode when lit.

Rita is survived by her husband, John; her children, Kelly (Patty) and Kurt (Kim); and her four grandchildren: Madison, Kali, Daniel and Kristina Cahill. Rita is also survived by her siblings, Kaye Burke, Georgia Rowan, Betty Tindal, Judy Ridge, Donald Robinson, Bill Robinson and Tom Robinson.

Rita was predeceased by her son, John; and her siblings, Charles Robinson, Bob Robinson, Kenneth Robinson, Joe Robinson, and Jerry Speese.

The family would like to thank the Hastings Allina Hospice team including Rick, Jessica, Julia, Amber and Greg.

Services will be held at Starkson Family Life and are as follows: Visitation will be held Thursday, August 21 from 4 - 7 PM and Friday, August 22 from 10 to 11 am. A celebration of Life and lunch will follow at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hastings Family Service, Allina Health Foundation (supports hospice needs), Alzheimer’s Association or any organization that supports children.

Arrangements are with Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.