Rita Rosalia Weiss Boyer, 96

February 21, 1929 - March 16, 2025

Rita Rosalia Weiss Boyer of Lancaster passed away on March 16, 2025, at age 96. She was the 6th child of the late Frank and Barbara Weiss of Elizabethtown. Siblings, Julia, Agnes, Martin, Anna Marie, George, and Mary, all proceeded her in death. Surviving is her sister Alice.

Rita was the Mother of Michael -1975, Jean Marie (Shugars) -2012, and Philip -2024, who all proceeded her in death at stated years. She spoke of them as being her angels in Heaven. Surviving is her son Richard Boyer. A proud Grandmother of Heather Lynn Shugars, April Boyer Voloshin, Nicole Ewing, Danielle Boyer Prince, and Justin Boyer. Also, a Great Grandmother of Freya Voloshin and Cecilia Prince.

Born Feb. 21, 1929, in Elizabethtown, Rita graduated from Elizabethtown H.S. in 1947 as class poet. Afterwards she remained active as class organizer for reunions and annual luncheons. While living in E-town she organized the annual South Poplar St. reunion with two of her friends. As the lead organizer for over 20 years, she sent yearly invitations to past and present residents who lived on South Poplar.

Rita worked as a secretary at the Continental Press until she married and then for 40 years at St. Anne Catholic Church. She firmly believed in walking the path of service to others for the greater good while at the many clubs and organizations she belonged to. Being just a social member was not in her nature, doing some good was, and she did it past her 90th birthday! Leading the Brown Bag Lunch Ministry at St. Anne’s every Monday with her dedicated crew, she helped to feed many hungry and homeless neighbors for over 50 years. She also led the Prayer Request Ministry. While employed, Rita was the business manager of fundraisers for the Parish and assisted the school in fundraising. As the top seller, she was extremely competitive at bringing in the money needed for both the church and school. She took care of the Parish stand at the school for the Memorial Day Flea Market as well. Rita served as a member of the Parish Council, the church choir, and a Cantor at Masses.

Living in her home for 63 years in the Northeast Quadrant of Lancaster City, she was very active in the Neighbors United over many years. Every August she chaired the food and drink for their events. She was also the Majority Inspector for the 4th Precinct, 6th Ward for over 20 years.

Rita will be remembered as an incredibly busy woman who served others well and enjoyed doing so.

A highlight of her life was a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia for her 60th birthday. Rita’s favorite hobby was composing poetry that began in 1941 while in the 6th grade. After taking a break to raise her children, she returned to her love of writing poetry. A compilation of her drawings and poems was printed in a book to raise funds for the Brown Bag Lunch Ministry in 2021. She also had a love of gardening which could be seen in her colorful yard. She won NU awards for 4 years in a row for the beautiful flowers and plants she tended to.

Rita was well known in her church and community, and she was most grateful for her many friends and family. Most particularly to her Grandchildren for all their help, and especially during the later years of her life.

A Memorial Mass will take place 11 am Thursday, March 27, 2025, at St. Anne & Our Lady of La Vang Catholic Church with The Rev. Tri M. Luong and The Rev. Mark E. Weiss concelebrating. Rita’s family will receive guests from 10 to 11 am at church. Interment will be at 3 pm in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Elizabethtown, with The Rev. Bernard Oniwe officiating.

Memorials for Rita may be sent to The Saint Vincent De Paul Society at St. Anne & Our Lady of La Vang Catholic Church, 929 North Duke St. Lancaster, PA 17602.