MMC Community Mourns Loss of Sister Rita Arthur, RSHM, Ph.D.

Sr. Rita entered the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) on September 8, 1948 and was sent to the novitiate in Beziers, France which sparked her lifelong interest in international issues and language.  Sr. Rita had a long and wide ranging relationship with Marymount Manhattan College.  She served on the Board of Trustees from 1966-1985 and from 2001-2010.  Her service to the College included several important positions including Vice President for Planning and Information Services, Director of the Women in Management Program and Dean of Students. She had similar responsibilities at Marymount College in Tarrytown where she served as Professor of French, International Recruiter and Study Abroad Director.  Sr. Rita was the founding NGO representative to the United Nations for the RSHM.  She was the driving force behind the Sisters decision to apply for UN Department of Public Information status and completed all necessary steps to secure this standing.  She received her BA from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY and a Doctorat d’Universite in French Literature from the University of Rennes, France.  Sr, Rita participated on numerous Middle States evaluation teams both in the U.S. and overseas.  She served as the past Director of the American Institute for Foreign Studies and served on the Board of Trustees at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA.  Her devotion to the mission of Marymount Manhattan College and her dedication to our faculty and students will never be forgotten.

Judson R. Shaver, Ph.D.
President
Marymount Manhattan College

Arrangements:  Reception of the Body, Wednesday, January 21at 2:30pm.  Visitation follows until 7:30pm at which time there will be a Vigil Service.  Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, January 22 at 11:00am.  All services at the Marymount Convent, 32 Warren Avenue, Tarrytown, NY.

Published: January 18, 2015