Rosa Arlene McConaghay, 96

November 16, 2021

Rosa Arlene McConaghay, 96 of Leola, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2021. Born in Lampeter, PA, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Pearl (Souders) Dull, and was the beloved wife to Eli James McConaghay, Jr. for over 67 years prior to his passing in 2015.

A 1943 graduate of West Lampeter High, Rosa, who liked to be called Arlene, worked in the dispensary at Armstrong prior to her marriage. After moving to Lititz where she resided most of her life, she was an extremely talented seamstress and made almost all of the clothing in her household. She also had the gift of playing piano beautifully, and effortlessly baked and cooked the best meals. She loved to read and was a true homemaker.

Arlene is survived by her three children: Dr. Sandra Reed (Frank Muse), James V. McConaghay, and Kathy McConaghay (Jeff Ditzler); granddaughters Shannon Heydt (Keith) and Allison McConaghay-Shu (Richard); great-grandchildren Beckett and Paxton Heydt and August and Marlowe Shu; and five nieces and three nephews.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Her children express their sincere appreciation to all those who lovingly cared for Arlene in Lititz, Leola and at Zerbe Retirement Community. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Arlene’s name to Zerbe Retirement Community, 2499 Zerbe Rd., Narvon, PA 17555.