Rita was born in Philadelphia to parents Stanley and Salome (Stella). She grew up on Fourth Street with her sisters, Agnes and Marion, and graduated from Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls. After graduation, Rita worked as a secretary at La Salle College High School, work which she enjoyed thoroughly. She met Francis Devine, married, and started a family. She was a dedicated wife and mother to three children – Francis Michael, Eileen Gable (Scott), and Edward (Patricia).
Rita loved flying and earned her pilot’s license in the early 1960s. She enjoyed telling the story about walking into a hangar and asking a young man to sign her log book, only for him to flatly refuse because he didn’t believe a woman could have flown the plane solo.
Rita was a devout Catholic and attended mass weekly whenever possible. She had a beautiful singing voice and often enjoyed the hymns that were sung during mass. She also was a wonderful hostess, hosting bridge parties, holiday dinners, and backyard barbeques. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, knitting, and embroidery. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, then great-grandchildren.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband Frank, sons Michael and Edward, daughter-in-law Patricia, her parents Stanley and Stella, and her sisters Agnes (Bill) and Marion (Ron) and their husbands.
Rita is survived by her daughter Eileen Gable (Scott) and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held for Rita on July 30, 2026, from 9:30am-10:30am at Queen of the Universe, 2443 Trenton Rd, Levittown, Pennsylvania 19056. The family eulogy will take place at 10:20am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30am. After Mass, Rita will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery, 5201 Hulmeville Rd, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020.
Memorial Contributions in Rita’s name may be made to Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls.
