Photo courtesy of Jagers and Sons Funeral Home
Athens, Ohio
Jul 29, 1927 – Jan 18, 2026
Rita H. VanDerveer died peacefully on January 18, 2026 at Athens, Ohio. Rita was born on July 29, 1927 to Julia and Edward Hannigan in Springfield, MA. The family spent Rita’s childhood there and later moved to Centerville on Cape Cod.Rita continued her love of New England. She earned a BA Degree and a Master’s of Education at New England College and taught school at the high school in Sheffield, MA in the Berkshire mountains and in Newington, Conn. While studying for her Master’s Degree at Springfield College, Springfield, MA she met and later married a fellow student Dunbar Nicholas VanDerveer, called Van from Bronxville, NY. Her husband of 45 years, predeceased her in 1997. They were parents of five children, Tara, Beth, Marie, Dunbar Nicholas, Jr. (Nick) and Heidi. Beth married Bill Dodd who had two sons and Marie’s children are Garrett and Paige Simpson. Garrett married Katherine Gomez and Paige married Dan McMahan. Makai is the son of Heidi VanDerveer.While raising their 5 children, Rita and Van continued their careers as educators. Rita returned to academia to earn a Master’s of Science Degree in Speech Pathology and a Certificate of Clinical Competency from American Speech Language and Hearing Association having completed a clinical internship at Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY. Rita worked to promote programs for children with special needs in speech, hearing and language during her forty years as an educator. At the Schenectady/Albany area she was employed at Sunnyview Primary Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady. In western NY she was a clinician at St Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, NY, a teacher/consultant at Deveaux School in Niagara Falls and worked for the Board of Cooperative Educational Services in Niagara Orleans and Wayne/Finger Lakes regions.Since 1962 the VanDerveer family have been summer residents of Chautauqua, NY at Chautauqua Institution having purchased the Lakeside Lodge, a guest house for 28 summers and now a family residence. Rita taught at the Chautauqua Special Studies Program and served on the boards of the Art Museum, Garden Club and graduated in 1999 from CLSC.Following the death of the children’s father, Rita remarried Robert Lewis. He had three daughters, Lynn, Lea (Doug) and Laurie (Stephen). Rita and Bob traveled extensively in the U.S. and many foreign countries. Bob predeceased Rita in 2003. In 2014 Rita moved to The Carillon at Boulder Creek, CO.A private family service will be held at the graveside in Chautauqua NY Cemetery. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, NY. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
Read MoreRita lived a life of joy, kindness, and excelled at being an exceptional human being. She had such happiness in her heart and invited everyone she met into it. A life well lived and deserved. Deepest condolences and love to Tara, Amy, Beth, Bill, Marie and family, Nick, Vikki, Heidi, Michelle, and Makai. We will miss and remember Rita forever
Kathy Muntz
February 07, 2026 | Jamestown, NY | Friend
For more than sixty years, Rita’s presence on Simpson always signaled that summer was in full swing and it was time for the annual interrogation. Direct in her questions regarding the months that had filled the time between our Chautauqua stays and always sagacious in her response to our replies, there was little wiggle room for anyone attempting an end-run around her perspicacity. Although Tara and I did pull a fast one once in a while, we learned quickly which lines to never cross, those we...
Bob Bouchal
February 06, 2026 | MA | Neighbor
Steve and I are so sad to hear this news about Rita. We have been neighbours in Chautauqua since 1988! So many memories of lovely conversations with Rita. We send our deepest sympathy to Beth, Tara, and the rest of the family.
Mary Mitchell
February 02, 2026 | Akron, OH | Neighbor
Our family has many wonderful memories of Rita Vanderveer who passed away at age 98 .
Our summer home in Chautauqua is located a few houses away from The Lakeside Lodge,
which is owned by the Vanderveer family.
When my husband, Marvin, and I first started coming to Chautauqua, before we bought our
house in 1983, we rented rooms from Rita and her husband, Van, for ourselves and whatever
family members were with us. One summer when our teenage son was with us, he was
Joan Rosenthal
February 02, 2026 | Rochester, NY | Friend
Bringing birthday brownies to our special friend Ms. Rita was always a treasured Chautauqua moment. From toddler to teenager, Griffin loved those yearly visits. I am so grateful he and I both had the chance to have a friendship with such a special lady. We will miss her cheerful waves from the porch in years to come. Sending you all much love.
Kathleen and Griffin Olowin
February 02, 2026 | Charlottesville, VA | Friend
You lived a full and wonderful life. Blessings and rest in the hand of God
Rosemary Prentice
February 01, 2026 | Other
Our Chautauqua experience is so closely tied to Rita, her family, and Lakeside Lodge. Living on the same street, we always wave hello and enjoying chatting. My brother used to welcome guests to Lakeside Lodge and clean every Saturday to prepare for new incoming guests. Rita and my mom enjoyed a very long friendship. Our sincerest condolences and we are holding you all in our hearts.
Debby Rosenthal
February 01, 2026 | Cleveland, OH | Friend
Passing the big green house each day and seeing Rita entertaining her family and friends or just sitting on the porch with a wave or ‘hi’ was a perfect end to a busy day at Chautauqua. When the scooter was gone from the walk, I knew Rita had beat me to the concert. I will miss her smile and our greetings to each other. My deepest condolences to the family, friends and canine buddies!
Carole Gladstone
February 01, 2026 | Stamford, CT | Neighbor
Group of 10 Memorial Trees
Hyun-Ju Oh
January 30, 2026 | Athens
