Rita Reynolds

Rita Helen (Schneider) Reynolds, 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 2, 2023, while residing at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Rita was born in Queens, New York on September 29, 1931 to her parents, George and Rose (Schmitt) Schneider. She went to grade school at St. Brigid’s in Brooklyn and attended Bishop McDonnell for high school.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh E. Reynolds, Jr.  A life-long devout Catholic, she was introduced to her future husband by a nun at the Catholic USO Club in New York City, while he was stationed there with the military. They were married in 1954 at St. Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church and had celebrated 67 years of marriage prior to his death. Rita was a devoted wife who maintained a constant presence during her husband’s final year in skilled nursing. Rita was also preceded in death by her brothers Andrew Schneider, Arthur Schneider and her sisters, Wilma Schneider, Frances Schneider Rienecker and Mary (Mae) Schneider Kenstad.

Rita is survived by her brother Joseph Rienecker and his wife Pirkko (Betty) Rienecker.  She is also survived by her four children:  Maureen Reynolds, Hugh (Kathy) Reynolds, Tom (Cindi) Reynolds, and Paul Reynolds, and her seven grandchildren:  Marta (Gabe) Pinheiro, Stephen (Meredith) Reynolds, Lauren (Nick) Tomshack, Paige (Chris) Bailey, Lindsey (David) Tam, Brady Reynolds, and Elizabeth Reynolds. Rita is also survived by her four great grand-children: Sophia Pinheiro, Emilia Reynolds, Elise Tomshack, and Evelyn Bailey, all of whom gave her so much joy. She was excited to have recently learned that she would soon have a fifth great grand-child.

Before her marriage, Rita worked as a legal secretary and after her marriage she lived with her husband in Virginia, where he was stationed with the Army. They next moved to Indianapolis, Indiana to begin his career as an attorney. Later in life they moved to Florida to be closer to family. Throughout their marriage, they traveled the world together, both for his work and with family and dear friends. Rita was cherished by her husband and was fortunate to see her children & their families often. She was blessed to have wonderful nieces and nephews and dear friends she kept in close contact with throughout her whole life.

Rita threw wonderful dinners and parties for family and friends. She was a great support for her husband in his career. She loved traveling, the symphony, the theatre, playing at the occasional slot machine, listening to music, reading, playing cards, board games and dominoes, and working crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Rita was energetic and hard working. While living in Indianapolis, she spent time volunteering with The Little Sisters of the Poor.  She was definitely the heart of our family and we will miss her with all of ours.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Rita at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 15, 2023.  Per her request, there will be no viewing hours. The Rite of Committal will take place on April 21, 2023. Rita’s final resting place will be with her husband at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Little Sisters of the Poor in Indianapolis, Indiana or to EWTN, whose programming was of comfort to her in her final years. The family would also appreciate any Mass Intentions said in Rita’s memory and your prayers for her and for all of us.

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