Rita I. Lyons (nee Donnelly) of Philadelphia, PA passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving children on November 21, 2020. She was predeceased in death by her beloved husband, William J., her parents, John Patrick and Isabel, her sister Joan P. Rosney, and her sister-in-law and husband, Marguerite and Joe Cawley.

Born in 1931, she grew up in Holy Innocents Parish in Juniata and graduated from Mount St. Joseph Academy, Class of 1949. She went on to St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, where she was a proud graduate of the Class of 1952.

She spent her summers on Margate Beach, where she met the love of her life, William J. in 1955. They celebrated their wedding on September 8, 1956 and enjoyed 58 years of marriage together.

In 1971, Rita began working at Veteran's Stadium for the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, alongside her dear sister Joan Rosney. Rita was a Registered Nurse and spent 33 years in the First Aid Room at the Stadium, where she loved her job immensely, helped so many people, and enjoyed two World Series.

Rita is survived by her beloved children, Mary Rita Lewis (Vincent), Kate Thomer (Tom), Bill Lyons (Sue), Celeste Rowan (Dave), and Tom Lyons. She is the proud grandmom, (known as "Mom Mom Reet") to Matthew (Sara), Colin (Kateryna), Kyle, Lauren (Brian), Daniel (Nicole), Kevin, Vicki Sue, Lisa, Billy, Courtney, Drew, Maggie, and Kylie. She is also the loving great grandmom to Max, Emma, Shane, Danny and Jaxson.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, November 28, 2020 from 9 AM to 10:30 AM (Following Phila. Covid guidelines) at St. Katherine of Siena Church, 9700 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114, followed by her funeral mass at 11 AM. (CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW AT 11:00 AM SATURDAY TO VIEW MASS) Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to St. Katherine's of Siena church, would be greatly appreciated.

Please click here to live stream Rita's Funeral Mass