Rita L. (Medann) Hodes

Rita (Medann/Schwartz) Hodes was born in the Bronx, NY on January 14, 1926, to Samuel and Katherine (Kitty) Medann. Rita passed away peacefully in her sleep, at home in Connecticut on the morning of June 21, 2022.

She attended NYU, where she studied English. Rita also studied Opera in her formative years and sang professionally.

Rita married Robert Schwartz (November 1, 1924 – July 7, 1976) on September 4, 1949. They were married until Robert’s passing on July 7, 1976.

Rita and Robert together had four children who survive, Cynde (Art), Seth (Donna, deceased), Beth (Scott), and Stacey (Mathew).

As well, Rita is survived by ten grandchildren, Rissa (Zach), Jeryn (Matthew), Ryan (Jasmine), Benjamin (Melissa), Jason, Johanna, Mollie, Robert, Haley, and Marc.

Rita was fortunate enough to have enjoyed the love of her great grandson, Nicholas.

Rita married Elliot Hodes, three years after Robert’s passing. Elliot had three sons, Rick, Danny (Marla), and Robbie.

Rita and Elliot were married for 27 years. They traveled the world and enjoyed their golden years together (Elliot passed away 16 years earlier).

Rita was a “giver”, Never a taker. If you liked her blouse, she would take it off and give it to you. She was the life of the party and lived life to its fullest. Mom volunteered her entire life. She started two Chapters of Cancer Care in Long Island, raising tens of thousands of dollars for families affected by cancer.

Rita was a wonderful friend, a great wife, a terrific daughter, a loving sister (to Arlyne), and an Amazing Mom, Grandmom, and Great Grandmom. Rita’s life was a life well-lived!! She enjoyed her family more than anything; and “kvelled” from her grandchildren. Rita will be Sorely missed!

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Cedar Park Cemetery in New Jersey, as a private service for immediate family.

For Shiva observances: Koritzinsky Family (Cynde/Art): Please contact the Koritzinsky Family directly. Lubliner Family (Beth/Scott): Please contact the Lubliner Family directly. Spilka Family: Please contact the Spilka Family directly. Schwartz Family: Please contact the Schwartz Family directly.

In addition, the family will be hosting a “Celebration of Rita’s Life” on Sunday, July 10th at 12-noon at Temple Shalom in Norwalk, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita’s memory to Hadassah (Norwalk, CT Chapter).

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