Rita Therese (nee George) Schmitt of Bensalem, formerly of Newtown passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at her residence. She was 87.

Born in Pitcairn PA, Rita was the loving wife of the late Harry Joseph Schmitt for sixty years until his death in October 2014. She was the beloved daughter of the late Arthur D. and Catherine Boast George. She was preceded in death by her brothers Adam and Eugene, and her sisters Marian, Ruth and Alice.

Dearest mother of Claudia Hensel (Kevin), Michael H. Schmitt (Mary Ann), Gregory Schmitt (Reggie), sister of Edgar George, she is also survived by six cherished grandchildren, Patrick, Matthew, Jennifer, Connor, Aidan, and Alana.

Rita was a longtime resident of Bucks County and a dedicated teacher and administrator for the Bensalem School District. Before moving to Bensalem, Rita taught at various schools in Western PA. After retirement, she taught Latin at Council Rock High School part-time. She received her Bachelor’s Degree, and was valedictorian, at Seton Hill College in Greensburg. She later earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Doctorate from Temple University.

Rita always enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking, as well as fine dining and the arts. After her retirement in 1993, she concentrated on mentoring her grandchildren and traveling the world with Joe, visiting every continent except Antarctica. Although they hosted many social events for their family and friends over the years, their favorite annual event was gathering the family for an elegant Christmas dinner. Perhaps Rita’s most loving and lasting gifts are the many photo albums, sonnets, journals, pearls of wisdom and other writings she created documenting family events and her travels.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing Wednesday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Road) Richboro and on Thursday at the Church of Saint Andrew, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown from 10:00am until her Funeral Mass 11:00am. Interment will be private at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made in her memory to the Franciscan Friars Retirement Fund, Saint Francis Friary at Mount Assisi, Loretto, PA 15940.