In Memory
Rita Therese (George) Schmitt of Bensalem, formerly of Newtown, passed away peacefully 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 60 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), and 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 Pennsylvania. 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 from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday evening, at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown-Richboro Road (at Holland Road), Richboro, and again from 10 a.m. until her Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the Church of Saint Andrew, 81 Swamp Road, Newtown. Interment will be held privately in Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to the Franciscan Friars Retirement Fund, Saint Francis Friary at Mount Assisi, Loretto, PA 15940.www.fluehr.com
Gary P. Gisondi (1970)
Rita Schmitt wore many hats for me in my life. She was first introduced to me as a teacher when I was a freshmen in a Junior High School I did not want to be part of and teaching two subjects (Latin & English) I had little interest in. The nicest way I can describe our relationship is that of a dedicated teacher and a very challenging student. To the surprise of many of my middle school instructors I returned to Bensalem as a teacher and Mrs . Schmitt was one of the first and few to offer mentoring in my new role if needed. This was an offer I graciously accepted and within a few years saw Rita wearing still a new cap, that of an administrator at Cecilia Snyder Middle School. Working with her as my boss in an Alternative Education program was a pleasure I will never forget. Her support and guidance helped me (and my wife) grow in a positive direction once again. As our careers came to an end we spoke less but my admiration for Rita continued to grow. No one helped me better under stand the Mark Twain quote regarding how smart someone grew to be as you yourself grew older. I last saw Rita and her husband at a local eatery and took a place at their table and finally saw her wearing a hat which may mean the most to me, that of a friend. My condolences to her children and thank you for sharing such a special lady with us!
Gail Wright (1970)
Mrs. Schmitt was my English and Latin teacher in 9th grade - 1967 - the year my father died. Back then, nobody seemed to discuss or even know if someone suffered a loss like this. Somehow, she knew. Howard Hilgendorf was my father's cousin might have told some of my teachers. Or perhaps, I felt her compassionate personality and reached out to her. Perhaps, she reached out to me, which I think is probably what happened. Somehow, she got me to talk about what was going on in my life. I would venture to guess she noticed sadness in me. We talked about my father's cancer and illness.
After Dad passed away, I received a beautiful letter handwritten by Rita Schmitt. It was so heart-felt ; I still have it. She talked about me and how I cared for my Dad when he was so sick and what a wonderful daughter I was. Nobody else, including friends, family or at school, at that time EVER said a word about his illness or death. But, Mrs. Schmitt talked with me and wrote to me. I will never forget that or her. She was a wonderful teacher and mother-figure at that difficult time. Why aren't there more teachers and people like her?
Just recently, a small group of 4 other women from our 1970 class and I got together for dinner and to talk at a local Starbucks. Wouldn't you know Rita Schmitt's came up. We all talked about her impact on our llives. Everyone talked about what a wonerful person she was to each one of us. Amazing, wasn't she? One person affecting so many others! I came to this page trying to find where she lived so I could send her a copy of that letter and to thank her. Instead, found a memorial.
Neal DeLucia (1972)
When I was in the 9th grade, Mrs. Schmitt was both my Latin and English teacher. I flunked Latin that year and always blamed Mrs. Schmitt for my failure. I could not blame myself, so I held a grudge towards her throughout high school. Even when I bought her 1961, tan, four door Chevy Bel Aire in 1971, I had a hard time being in her presence when I picked the car up from her home. I still could not get rid of my anger towards her for flunking me, but I needed a car and I ate my pride.
Many, many years passed by and I met up again with Bensalem French Teacher, Mr. Dean Long, at a flea market in Trevose. Mr. Long was a great guy and very witty. For some reason, the first person that I asked him about was Mrs. Schmitt. I wanted to know if he had ever run into her after leaving Bensalem and if he did, was she well. He said that he and other retired teachers, would meet up for coffee from time to time. She was one of the teachers that was part of their, "Coffee Club".
Now, the reason for my thread. I see that Mrs.Schmitt passed away approximately five years ago. I was saddened to see that she had passed, but when I read her obituary referencing her life, I understood why I always had her in my thoughts. Teachers do make a difference in our lives. She made me realize that nothing in life is just handed to you. You will accomplish nothing without hard work. She prepared me to turn my failures into positive experiences. And yes, I now blame myself for flunking out of Latin class.