Rita G. New
Apr 14th, 2023
Yarmouth Port, MA – Rita G. New died peacefully on Friday, April 14, 2023
at the age of 97.
Rita was born in Stevens Point, WI and was the daughter of Alois and Frances (Raflik) Okray. She attended St. Peters Elementary School and St. Josephs Academy in Stevens Point. Following high school, she attended Cardinal Stritch College in Cudahy, WI graduating with a Bachelor of Music Degree. Following her marriage to John J. New, they lived in Greenfield, WI, Springfield, IL, Buffalo Grove, IL and finally, Yarmouth Port, MA.
Rita was a gifted lyric soprano who sang on the radio and performed at many civic and church functions during her time in Stevens Point. One of her favorite vocal stories was having a young and talented Valentino Liberace accompany her for an afternoon of music. Following her graduation from Cardinal Stritch, she taught public school general music in Wisconsin and Illinois. Her instruction at those schools resulted in impressive and greatly appreciated performances.
Rita was an avid duplicate bridge player who loved the complexity of the game and the friends she made while playing at the Yarmouth Senior Center. She had a wonderful green thumb and her yard flourished under her care. As a member of the Saint Pius X Church parish she cherished her Catholic faith. Most importantly, with her beautiful smile and sweet personality, she always brought happiness to her family, friends and those around her.
She was preceded in death by her husband John J. New, her three brothers, John, Chester and Alois Okray and four sisters, Bernice Kitowski, Violet Jurgella, Christine Witkowski and Connie Barnard. She is survived by her son John Emmett New and his wife Lisa of Dennis, MA, her grandson John Patrick New of Cambridge, MA and her granddaughter Courtney New of Dennis, MA.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on May 12, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in Saint Pius X Church, Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:
Dennis -Yarmouth Regional High School Music Department
c/o Alex Pendleton
410 Station Avenue
South Yarmouth, MA 02664