Obituary of Rita T. Whitney

Rita T. Whitney, 90, of Monroe Township, passed away in her home on Monday October 29, 2012. Born in Camden, NJ, she has resided in Monroe Township for over 30 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and three sisters including Helen Whitney and Elizabeth Dollarton. She is survived by two nephews, Donald and Joseph Dollarton and two nieces, Mary Macsay and Margie Leonard, as well as by many grand-nieces and nephews. Devotion to her family was always Rita's concern. Rita Whitney's life was dedicated to teaching and taking care of whoever needed help. Also known as Sister Beata, Rita served 34 years as a member of the order of the Sisters of Mercy. College degrees were earned by Rita at both Georgian Court College and Seton Hall University. Rita was a teacher and a principal of various schools in the Diocese including St. Mary's Grammar School in South Amboy. After entering secular life, she worked for the Sayreville Public School District, where she served as the Principal of Washington Elementary School for five years, Principal of Sayreville Junior High School for four years and Principal of Sayreville War Memorial High School for four years. During those years, some students had only Rita as their Principal. Because of this, when graduating, one student asked her if she was going to be her house mother at college. After retiring from public education, Rita worked for the Monroe Township Department of Aging at the Senior Center for 14 years. For eight of those years Rita was a dedicated and caring Director of the Senior Center, after which she retired for good. Rita Whitney was a devoted communicant of the Nativity of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church in Monroe Township. Rita's gentle kindness and generosity to others were her most endearing qualities. Her sense of humor was infectious and she was always ready for a party with her friends and family – especially feasting on Maryland crabs and beer at her nephew's home in southern Maryland. She loved to read, travel clothes shop and assist at her church when possible. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to one of the following of Rita's favorites: Mount St. Mary's School, 1645 US Hwy 22, Watchung, NJ 07069; the McAuley Hall Retirement Home, 1633 US 22 West, Watchung, NJ 07069; or Nativity of Our Lord, 185 Applegarth Road, Monroe Twp., NJ 08831.