Age 78
A beautiful smile and a loving heart, Sister Rita who lived to 101 will be remembered for her hospitality and lively good humor.
Born in New York City, after her mother died Sister Rita lived with her aunt and uncle in Niagara Falls, New York. while still very young. She encountered the Sisters of Mercy at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish School and St. Mary of the Cataract High School, both in Niagara Falls.
She did clerical work after her high school graduation and entered the Sisters of Mercy in Buffalo, New York, at the age of 23. She earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, New York, and a master’s degree from State University of New York in Fredonia, New York.
Rita taught elementary school for 22 years in the Buffalo, New York, diocese. She ministered as the principal for nine years at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Niagara Falls, New York, and for three years at Immaculate Conception School in Wellsville, New York. Next, she served as the administrator for nine years at Mercy Grove, a spiritual center and vacation home, in Le Roy, New York.
After that, she studied hair care and performed this service for seniors in an independent living center and for sisters at Mercy Center in Buffalo, New York. For several years, Rita served the infirmed sisters at Mercy Center and volunteered at nearby Mercy Hospital of Buffalo.