Rita Abate

Rita Abate, 88, of Stevens, passed away on Friday, December 20th, 2024, at her home. Born in Philadelphia, Rita was a daughter of the late Salvatore & Maria (Scardino) LoMonaco, and the loving wife of Michael A. Abate Sr. for 30 years until his passing in 1987.

Rita graduated from the Philadelphia Catholic School for Girls in 1954 and jumped into the workforce. She worked in the personal care unit of the Specialized Assisted Living from 1988 to 2006. Rita was a busy bee and even after retirement, she worked once a week with her daughter for Ephrata Recycling. She was a long-time member and sang at Mission of Love Church in Akron, where she and Michael assisted in the church’s construction in 1984. An angel to her friends and family, Rita loved the Lord and was always giving to all. She found great comfort in making others laugh and seeing them happy with her good humor. Her loving and kind heart will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Rita is survived by three children, Michael Abate Jr. (Michele Willis) of Stevens, Lorriane (Curtis) of Stevens, and Judy Hehnley (Ricky Sr) of Stevens; seven grandchildren, Daniel Kulp (Valerie), Sherri (Brandon) Rodelander, Ricky Hehnley Jr. (Casandra Wright), David Hehnley, Michelle Abate, Melissa Stahl (Tony), Daniel Hehnley; seven great grandchildren, Cheyenne, Kylie, Tyler, Lydia, Evan, Dakotah, Oliver. She is predeceased by grandson, Michael Abate III; granddaughter, Alyssa Hehnly; and siblings, Willie Lamanica, Marie Cirillo, Lucy Leone.

Services will be private to the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are appreciated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation; www.bcrf.org.