Rita M. Hart

Rita was born on June 26, 1939, in the Bronx, New York, to the late Joachim (Joe) and Maria Fitschen. Upon graduating from Walton High School in 1957, she began volunteering at a local hospital, where she met and fell in love with a US Navy veteran, Mr. William “Bill” R. Hart. The two were married on October 27, 1957, in Albany, New York. The couple welcomed their first and only child, Donna, in March of 1962. They continued to reside in New York until 1970, when they decided to relocate to Florida, where they both resided until they passed.

One of Rita‘s greatest passions was advocating for disabled veterans. Over the years, she and Bill paved the way for this group with their work for the Paralyzed Veterans Of America. She was also an active and dedicated member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, where she donated much of her time serving as the treasurer and author/editor of the church newsletter. Rita found much enjoyment in reading, spending time with her family, and traveling. She and Bill were able to see much of the US together. She continued on to see the world after his passing and made beautiful scrapbooks of her trips.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; daughter and son-in-law, Donna and John Maggard; brother and sister-in-law, John and Cathy Fitschen; brother-in-law, John, as well as many close friends.

Rita is survived by her granddaughter, Tina Maggard, and granddog, Allie; John (Sarah) maggard and two great granddaughters, Adalynn and Evelynn; nephew, John (Patricia) fitschen and family; nephew, Robert (Dawn) Fitschen and family; friend, Scott Ayers, and many other extended family members and dear friends.

All services for Rita will be held on Friday, July 29, 2022, at Kraeer Funeral Home, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL, 33064. A visitation will take place from 9 AM to 12 PM. A funeral service will occur from 12-12:30 PM, with Rev. Cathy Lauterhahn officiating. Rita will be laid to rest during a graveside service from 12:30-1:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

The family would also like to thank the staff of Boca Raton Regional Hospital for the excellent care they provided during Rita’s hospitalization.

In lieu of flowers, it was Rita’s expressed wish while living that donations be made in her memory to favorite charities or the two groups listed below:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,

Donor services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY, 10087, or visit lls.org to donate online or explore other donation options.

Paralyzed Veterans of America, FL chap.,

3799 N. Andrews Ave., Oakland Park, FL, 33309, or visit pvaflorida.org.

A visitation for Rita will be held Friday, July 29, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064. A funeral service will occur Friday, July 29, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064. A graveside service will occur Friday, July 29, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens North, 200 West Copans Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kraeercoralsprings.com for the Hart family.