Saratoga Springs, NY - Rita H. (Dwyer) McCarthy, formerly of Walter Drive, passed away Friday (Mar. 6, 2009) at the Wesley Health Care Center. She was 87. Born on Aug. 1, 1921 in Rochester, NY, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Helen (Stacko) Dwyer and was the first resident of Saratoga Springs to enter the Women's Army Corps, serving from 1942 thru 1944 with the WAC Detachment 2571st Medical Section. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, the late Dr. Michael J. McCarthy, who died June 17, 1996; one daughter, Maureen Ellen Salvatore, who died Dec. 25, 2004; one granddaughter, Christina E. Green, who died in 2003 and three brothers, William, George and John Dwyer. Survivors include five children, Patricia McCarthy and Michael (Tracy) McCarthy of Saratoga Springs, Nancy (John) Farrell of Ballston Lake, Eileen (Dan) Connor of Wilton and John (Susan) McCarthy of Saratoga Springs; ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; one sister, Joan (Charles) Pehl of Saratoga Springs and several nieces and nephews. Private calling hours will be conducted at the convenience of the family. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am Tuesday (Mar. 10, 2009) in St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Avenue. Burial with military honors will follow in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery, West Ave. Memorials may be made in Rita's name to the Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (584-5373). Rita was warmly welcomed at Wesley Health Care Center in March, 2005 and the family will be forever grateful for the loving care she received during her time there. She spent several years in the Victoria building and today we are comforted by many cherished memories of those days and the wonderful staff who made them possible. The family also acknowledges the support of the staff of 5 Springs and Community Hospice of Saratoga during Rita's final days.