Margaret ‘Rita’ Doerr

On Tuesday, April 5^th, Margaret ‘Rita’ Doerr, daughter of Frances Elizabeth Keogh and Joseph John Keogh, and beloved resident of Avon, NC passed peacefully into her next life.  She is survived by her sister Ann Johnston of Tallaght Ireland, her husband Ben, her daughter Tammy, her sons John, and Brad, her grandchildren Brooke, Nicole, Dakota, Ella, and Parker, her great-grandchildren Tanner, Ellis, and Patrick, her children-in-law, and her teaghlach grámhar in Ireland.  Rita was as humble as she was adventurous, at the age of 18 she left her native island of Dublin Ireland, and traveled to the US.  She soon met a young mechanic who upon seeing her for the first time vowed, “She is the one for me.”  Rita earned her nursing degree in VA and her young family moved to another island, Cape Hatteras Island.  Rita’s life of service blossomed on the island where she served 27 years in EMS and was one of the founders of Cape Hatteras Island Rescue Squad.  Rita epitomized service, to God, to her family, to her friends, and to the island.  Those close to Rita, and there are many, spoke of her positive outlook, her steadfast support, and unshakable faith.  Rita was an ardent and early member of Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Parish and spent almost as much time doing church-related duties as quilting.  Quilting was another of Rita’s passions and oftentimes you would see stray threads clinging to her garments like many small soft prayers.  Services will be on April 25^th at 10:00 at Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Parish with a reception at the Parish Hall afterward.  Please come join the family to celebrate the life of this wonderful child of God.  May God Bless you all.