Rita Marie Zimmer Wear

On November 10, 2022, Rita Marie Zimmer Wear left this earth to be with her heavenly family: parents, George and Alma Zimmer, 11 siblings, and son-in-law, David Thorpe. One could say she earned her angel wings, but those of us who knew and loved her quirks, are certain she would have returned them to QVC :)

Rita was born on August 27, 1934 on a farm in Montrose, South Dakota. She often told humorous stories of her life with 12 siblings, as well as recollections of hard-working parents with a steadfast devotion to their catholic faith. Rita carried on that commitment to her faith through Sunday worship and reciting her daily rosary. She graduated from Montrose High School in 1952 and attended Mount Marty College for a short time before working at John Morrell & Company as an administrative assistant. As fortune would have it, the girl from the country fell in love with a young man from the city of Sioux Falls named Jack Wear, who has been her devoted husband for 65 years. Rita's greatest accomplishment was that of being a homemaker and mother. She worked hard at performing the many daily tasks of making our house a home, and she was truly an expert at it. Caring for her family is where she found her joy and purpose.

Rita will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Jack; her children, Debbie Majewski (Rick), Michelle Engel (Fritz), Mark Wear (Judy), and Pam Thorpe. She will also be fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Michael (Leann), Timothy (Rachael), Ricky (Andrea), Amy, Stephen (Liz), Tyler (Jessica), Jack, Robbie, Stephen (Tristin), Mitchell, and Rachel. Additionally, Rita is survived by three great-granddaughters, Charlotte and Camille Majewski, and Raelynn Engel; sister, Lois Arnold (Harold); sister-in-law, Lynne Zimmer; and several nieces and nephews.

In recent years, Alzheimer's slowly deprived Rita of her memory, but the sentiments of the heart were still a part of her. She continued to feel and appreciate the loving spirit of her family. We enjoyed her childlike qualities and uncensored sense of humor. Despite the debilitating disease, Rita received patient and compassionate caregiving from her husband, Jack, and her daughter, Debbie. She challenged us all to live in the present moment, and we will honor her legacy by striving to live our lives to the fullest.

Family and friends will be received at St. James R.C. Church, 2635 Buffalo Road on Saturday, November 19th, from 10 am until the time of the Funeral Mass there at 11 am. Interment will follow at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. We would like to express our appreciation to the staff at Brevillier Village and UPMC Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, Rita's memory may be honored with a donation to Brevillier Village at 5416 E Lake Rd, Erie, PA 16511 or the Alzheimer's Association, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

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