Rita Marie (MacAfee) Whalen

Rita Marie Whalen (née MacAfee), passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the age of 73. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rita graduated from John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School and raised her family in Northeast Philadelphia. Rita dedicated her life to her family, friends, and community. She enjoyed playing cards and board games, making crafts, and cheering for Philly sports teams.

Known to many as “The Tax Lady” of Northeast Philadelphia, Rita built and managed her own successful tax preparation business.  Throughout her life, she was deeply committed to giving back, volunteering with local charities and her Catholic parish.  Rita cherished summers at her family’s shore house in West Wildwood, New Jersey. She loved creating countless memories with family and friends at the beach and enjoyed making trips to Atlantic City’s casinos. Over the last 13 years, she and her husband retired to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, where she formed many new friendships and embraced coastal living.

Rita is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Jim, who cared for her with devotion through her final days. She was a proud and devoted mother to Heather Crofford, Jimmy Whalen, Allison (Brian) Novick, and Marnie (John) Whalen-Turini. She was also the beloved Mom-Mom to Victoria, Addison, Charlotte, Colin, Anna, Dillon, James, Jack, Finley, Joseph John, and Eileen. Rita is also survived by her sister Mary Ann (Michael) Hackett and brother Joseph (Judy) MacAfee.

She is reunited in eternal rest with her parents, Joseph and Patricia (née Eller) MacAfee, and her sisters Patricia Schuck, Katherine Bowyer, Nancy Carroll, Josephine Wales, and Margaret Craven.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Thursday evening, December 18, 2025, from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM at the T.J. Fluehr Funeral Home, 11010 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19154. A second viewing will be held on Friday, December 19th, 2025, from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM at Our Lady of Calvary Church,11024 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19154, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment private. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Murrells Inlet, SC. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rita's name may be made to Food for the Poor by visiting www.foodforthepoor.org.  

Condolences may be made at www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.