Mary Rita Herbstritt, 99, of 1472 Rosely Road, St. Marys, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Penn Highlands Elk.

She was born May 10, 1923, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Louis and Josephine Wittman Wiesner.  Mary Rita was a lifelong resident of the area and was a 1940 graduate of Central Catholic High School, making her a member of the “Golden Grads”.  In her earlier years, she worked at the former Meladin Hotel and later went on to work at Sylvania, Ames, Grants, and ASMAC.

On May 30, 1942, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mary Rita married Walter J. Herbstritt, who preceded her in death on November 30, 1990.  They were blessed to share over 48 years of marriage.

Mary Rita is survived by two daughters: Rose Ann Herzing (Richard) and Jane Williams (Fran), both of St. Marys; her son, Dennis L. Herbstritt (Donna) of St. Marys; nine grandchildren: Denise Herbstritt (Adam), Dennis Herbstritt, Jr. (Jackie), Doreen Ginther (George), Duane Herbstritt (Nikki), Richard Herzing, Jr., Ryan Herzing (Amanda), Renee Fox (Daniel), Jeremy Williams (Erin), and Joesey Renwick (Josh); 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and by four step-great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mary Rita was preceded in death by her son, Allen Herbstritt, on June 30, 1963; and by four sisters: Marcella Wiesner, who passed away in infancy, Angeline Wiesner, Theresa Weber, and Monica Wendel.  She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Mary Rita was a member of the Queen of the World Church and the Catholic Daughter of the Americas.  She was a member of the Rosary Altar Society at both Queen of the World Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  She enjoyed playing cards and had been a member of her card club for over 60 years.  Mary Rita also enjoyed crocheting, baking, and canning.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. 

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA  15857.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.