Mary Rita "Marita" (McCullough) Goering

Mary Rita “Marita” (McCullough) Goering, 85, of Glyndon, Minnesota, died peacefully on April 24, 2026.

Marita was born in 1940 in Trenton, New Jersey, to Frank and Rita (Glennon) McCullough. Marita and her family moved to Seattle, Washington, when she was a young child. Marita graduated from Holy Names Academy and later became a Registered Nurse after attending St. Francis X. Cabrini School of Nursing in Seattle.

Marita married Charles Joseph Goering on November 10, 1962, and together they raised 11 children. Marita taught her children valuable life skills while running a big, noisy household. She instilled in her children the importance of cooking, childcare, doing chores, reading and doing well in school.
Marita had a deep devotion to the rosary throughout her life. Each night, the family gathered to pray the rosary together. Marita was skilled in many handicrafts: sewing, knitting, crocheting, and cake decorating. She put these skills to use by learning to make rosaries. She made and sent thousands of rosaries to Catholic missions around the world. She also made beautiful rosaries for her children.

In her later years, Marita developed a strong devotion to the Divine Mercy and prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 pm each day. She lived with her son John, his wife Tiffany, and their five children. She was known for walking around the house at 3 pm, calling everyone together for prayer. The Rosary was still prayed daily in the morning. Marita was grandma, a prayer warrior, and a prayer partner, and she easily became a beloved member of the family. She enjoyed interacting with her grandchildren daily and watching them grow.

Marita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Joseph Goering, her parents, Frank and Rita McCullough, and her brother, Robert McCullough.
Marita is survived by her sisters, Angela Eckrem (Jack) and Alicia McCullough (Leo), and her children: Bernadette Farrell (Michael); Mary DeGrote Goering (Doug); Jacob Goering (Nancy); Reverend Monsignor Joseph Goering (Diocese of Fargo); Jacinta Splonskowski (Deacon Steven); Sr. Sylvia Mary Teresa Goering (Missionaries of Charity); Alice Goering; Maria Ashton (Michael); John Goering (Tiffany); Mary Vizzini (Peter); and Charles Goering (Kayla). She is also survived by 31 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

First and foremost, the family is grateful to John, Tiffany, and their children for the love and care they freely gave to our mom and grandma over the past six years. With a large family network of Goerings and Splonskowskis in the Fargo/Moorhead area, there was always something fun going on. John, Tiffany, their children, and Grandma Marita enjoyed each other in so many ways, and they were present and watchful as Marita’s health declined.

The family also thanks the staff at Bethany Skilled Nursing on 42nd Avenue in Fargo, North Dakota, for the care and love they showed Marita during her time there. Although her stay was brief, it was clear how much the staff cared for both Marita and her family.

Visitation will begin at 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo, with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, followed by the Rosary. A Vigil Service will begin at 7:00 P.M.

Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. Mary (619 7th St N, Fargo, ND 58102), with visitation one hour before Mass. Internment and reception will follow. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery North, Fargo.

Memorial Masses are appreciated.