Rita Winifred Minogue was born in Doocastle, County Mayo, Ireland, to John and Ellen Leonard. At nineteen, she moved to New York City and worked at Con Edison. This is where she met her husband, James (Jim) Minogue. They lived in New York City, Pittsburgh, PA, and finally in Orlando, Florida. They had four children: James Patrick, John Patrick, John Thomas (Susan), and Eileen Logan.

The family moved to Orlando in 1980 for a transfer for Jim's career at Westinghouse. Rita and Jim became members of Annunciation Catholic Church. Rita enjoyed sharing her life with her four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren by supporting their religious ceremonies and countless special events. She was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed her prized pet, her Maltese dog Snowy.

Rita passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 14, 2025; she was 89 years old. She is survived by her sister, Caroline Reynolds of Manchester, UK. She is preceded in death by her husband, James, and sons John Patrick(infant) and John Thomas. A funeral mass will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, FL, at 10:00 a.m. on May 5, 2025.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to Annunciation Catholic Church.