Rita Irene Smith
12/05/1928 - 1/06/2022


Rita Irene Smith, formerly of Phoenixville, PA, widow of Dr. Joseph Smith, passed away on January 6, 2022 at the Meadows of Shannondell, Audubon PA, at the age of 93 years, one month and one day. Dr. Smith passed in November, 1986. Rita was a daughter of the late Arthur Clayton Ney and Gertrude (Gertie) Hepler Ney of Valley View, PA; she was the fifth of eleven children.

Rita was a graduate of the former Hegins Township High School, Hegins, PA. Following graduation, Rita moved to Phoenixville, PA and shortly thereafter met her first husband, Gabriel DiGuiseppe. She began her career in the business world, working as an executive secretary for most of her life, retiring at the age of 82. Throughout her career, she lived in the Unionville and Phoenixville, PA area, primarily.

Rita began her career at the Lochman Corporation in Phoenixville, then moved on to the West Company Pharmaceuticals in Phoenixville. Following her employment at the West Company Pharmaceuticals, she began a new journey as executive secretary for Gino Marchetti and Alan Ameche, NFL Stars, who founded sports restaurants in the King of Prussia, PA area. She remained with this company until its closure, then proceeded on to Pharmaceutical companies in the Great Valley Complex, Malvern, PA, from which she retired as an executive secretary in 2010.

Rita's heart was filled with a gift of giving - even to those in need, whom she did not know. Her spirit of generosity was exemplified when she met a couple about to be married while she and Dr. Joe vacationed in Jamaica a number of years ago. Rita learned that the bride-to-be did not have enough money to buy a wedding dress. As a result, when Rita returned to her home in Unionville, PA, she bought a wedding dress and mailed the dress to the bride-to-be in Jamaica! Her generosity consistently expanded to the love of her family and extended family. She gained much satisfaction by lavishing profusely upon her siblings, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and beyond, presenting to them her "prize finds" during her numerous shopping excursions. Rita truly believed in helping and giving to others. Rita also enjoyed numerous shopping trips and vacations with her siblings throughout the years, consistently creating memorable moments. Rita's spirit and spunk captured the hearts and minds of those fortunate to have known her.

In addition to her parents and husband, Rita was predeceased by an infant brother, a step son, and five brothers: Vere Fayne; Carl Dean; Warren Seth; Ray Andrew and Larry Dale. Rita is survived by three sisters and one brother: Iris Olive (Peggy) DiGuiseppe; Anna Mae Roof; Jeanette Elizabeth Klinger and her husband Terry; Jay Jacob Ney and his wife, Marie. She is also survived by three step children: Joseph, Jr.; Tina and Kitsi, plus many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, all whom she loved dearly.

A memorial for Rita will be held later in the year.

Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville, PA. Condolences may be offered by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.