Rita Stern (nee Sokoloff) passed away on September 7, 2026 at the age of 103. She was born in Philadelphia and lived her last 40 years in Wyncote Pennsylvania. She was the wife of the late Nathan Stern. She is survived by her son Jerry (Eleanor) Stern and daughter Robyn (Robert Howard) Stern and by her 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Rita was born on December 29th 1922, the first child of Nathan and Mary Sokoloff. Rita had two siblings, a sister Elaine who was four years younger and a brother Jerry who was six years younger. Jerry died in a tragic accident at age 18. Rita and Elaine were as close as any sisters could be until Elaine’s passing some years ago.

Rita graduated from Olney High School in 1940 after which she worked as a typist. She met her future husband Nat in 1945 and they married in 1947. The family moved to Wantagh New York on Long Island in 1951 where Nat took a new job working in his father’s business. Sadly, Nat passed away in 1979 while Rita was still relatively young. She remained in Wantagh for six years and then returned to the Philadelphia area to be with Elaine and her husband Max. Rita lived at the Wyncote House for 40 years.

Rita lived a long life defined by devotion to family and friends. She was always incredibly generous. She endured hardship with grace and dignity. Her frail appearance in later later years concealed an enormous inner strength. She was fiercely independent and lived on her own until age 103. The love that Rita gave us, the friendships she cherished, the good times we enjoyed, will live on in our hearts.

Relatives and friends are invited to graveside services on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM precisely at Montefiore Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Jefferson Abington Memorial Hospital.