Rita Ellen Hartzell

Rita Ellen Hartzell

1947-2014

When you hear the word, courage, who do you think of? When you hear the word, strength, who do you think of? When you see a smile that lights up an entire room, who do you think of?

For us the answer will always be Rita, a devoted wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt and friend.

Rita Hartzell, 67, of Bridgeville, DE peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, May 25th with her loving husband and family by her side. She was the beloved wife, for 48 years, of Robert Hartzell. Born in Fountain Hill, PA on January 3, 1947, Rita was the daughter of the late veteran Joseph P. Sedlock and Irene Sedlock, who currently resides in Bethlehem, PA. She graduated from Notre Dame High School and attended Manor Junior College, getting her degree, after raising her children, from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Rita was a true lady to her core in every sense of the word, but she told you like it was. She had a mixture of gentleness, intelligence and straight truth and integrity that was as captivating as it was sweet. Despite being a marketing professional by trade, Rita was defined by her faithful affection to her husband, Bob. He provided love, happiness, humor and warmth to her life. Ritas first love was her children and grandchildren. She was their biggest fan which was more than just the simple pride of motherhood. She passionately supported all the decisions, goals, crazy directions and ups and downs in their lives. Ritas love, adoration and support was extraordinarily strong and without limitation.

Each day began with a walk, as her life was filled with many furry companions: Dutchess, Shasta, Kacey, Spook, Madison, Molly and her current gentle “bear”, Shadow. She loved the many cruises she went on with her husband and the tennis matches and bridge games with her friends and neighbors. You could always find Rita enjoying a good book, gardening or decorating with the true flair of an accomplished, professional interior designer. But most of all, Rita loved to spend time with her family, especially at the holidays and birthday celebrations. She always had a smile for everyone and will be forever remembered for her internal and external beauty as well as her optimism, generosity and kind and giving nature. All of her family and friends embraced the heartfelt connection and compassion she bestowed. Rita had boundless wisdom that granted her continual new heights of success.

In addition to her husband, Bob and mother Irene, Rita will be missed by her daughter, Christine Vogel; her sister Ceily Gavura and her husband Mike of Northampton, PA; her brother Phil Sedlock of Clifton Park, NY. Rita also leaves behind two grandchildren, Courtney and Connor Vogel, whom she cherished and loved to spoil. Grandma was so very proud of them. Rita is also survived by a nephew, Ryan Field of Medford, MA. In addition to her father, Rita was predeceased by her daughter, Denise Ann Hartzell of Glastonbury, CT. Our love, blessing, respect and admiration for her bravery will live forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 2, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at the Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Annes Catholic Church, 450 Washington St., Bethlehem, PA 18017. Interment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, in Bethlehem. Condolences may be made online at www.connellfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ritas name to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to your local SPCA.

Cemetery
Holy Saviour Cemetery
2575 Linden St.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Gathering
Monday, June 2, 2014
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, June 2, 2014
10:00 AM
St. Anne's Catholic Church
450 Washington Ave.
Bethlehem PA 18017
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531