Rita M Stalter 98 of Fairhaven MA (formerly of Cornwall) passed away Wednesday December 23 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA after a brief illness.
Loving wife of the late John N. Stalter Sr.to whom she was married 47 years. She was born November 13, 1922 in Ossining, NY to Charles and Jennie (Zeliph) Baker.
Rita graduated from Cornwall on the Hudson high school. She was a member of the Cornwall Methodist Church, the Cornwall Yacht Club and the Red Hat Ladies of Fairhaven. Rita worked briefly at Iona Island and West Point Military Academy prior to taking the position of “a stay at home mom”.
Residing in Cornwall for over 50 years prior to moving to Fairhaven MA to be closer to family. She loved socializing and engaging in conversation. She enjoyed many lifelong friendships and made a point of keeping in touch with them all; especially her neighbor, Jean Bouton. She loved Sunday Family dinners and holiday gatherings. She was liked by everyone.
She is survived by two sons, Keith J. and his wife Gayle of Acushnet, MA. Mark T. and his wife Lisa of Moorpark, CA. Five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two siblings, Phyllis Ward of Newburgh, NY and Bruce Baker of Onacock, VA. She is preceded by a stepson, John N. Stalter, Jr. 3 siblings: brothers, Ogden Baker, Beverly Baker and her sister Janis Lee.
She will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure to know her.
Special thanks to the Maplewood staff at the Oaks Nursing Home in New Bedford for caring for Rita during the past several years.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Services are private by Hudson Valley Funeral Home.