Rita Marie Leon

Rita Marie Leon, age 72, of Oaklyn, NJ, and formerly of Haddonfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2025, at home, surrounded by family.

Rita was born on February 19,1953. A resident of Haddonfield, NJ, nearly all her life, she spent her early days running around South Atlantic Avenue with her siblings. She often and proudly shared stories of her childhood, and we loved hearing her memories.

An incredibly hard worker, Rita earned her degree while raising two children, eventually landing the role of project manager at software company SAP America. She dedicated 20 years there before retiring-although friends joked she worked just as hard at enjoying her retirement. And enjoy it, she did!

She cherished her time with her three grandchildren, often saying, "Can I bottle up some of that energy for myself?" She found joy in spoiling them. She traveled often to visit her daughter and granddaughter in Ithaca, NY, eventually getting her own place there to enjoy the area's many offerings. Always looking for opportunities to bring everyone together, she especially treasured our annual Sea Isle beach trips-some of our favorite family memories.

When she craved a thrill, Rita was first in line for the newest roller coaster within driving distance. She loved live music and theatre, and enjoyed trips to her favorite beach spots in New Jersey and Maryland. There were many days, you could find her at lunch or happy hour with her friends, and she never missed a manicure or hair appointment. "Being this low maintenance is a lot of work!"

Rita has been described as one in a trillion-a force to be reckoned with. Her razor-sharp wit was always at the ready; if you kept her drink filled, she was quick with a quip! She was exceedingly generous: compliment her purse and she might hand it to you; admire her shirt and you'd likely receive a twin of it by the next holiday. A stickler for grammar, she wasn't afraid to correct anyone within earshot-we promise we finally understand when to use fewer vs. less! An avid newspaper reader and cryptogram queen, we'll miss the personalized clippings she sent us with articles she thought we'd love.

Her homes were sprinkled with witty sayings stitched on pillows, painted on wood, or taped to the fridge. Some aren't fit for print, but a few favorites include: "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy,""My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance," and "At first she missed him, but then her aim improved." She had a quote for every situation-whether it was "My money is on you, kid" to lift you up or "A word to the wise is sufficient!" to nudge you in the right direction. Her quotable moments will forever be part of our family lore.

Rita always told us she felt like the luckiest person in the world. But we are truly the lucky ones to have known her.

So please raise your glass to a woman who made life anything but ordinary-and would have scoffed at a bland obituary.

Rita is survived by her husband, Robert Dougherty; her children, Kate Conroy and Kevin Conroy (Alexis) and their dad, Bill Conroy; along with her grandchildren, Cooper and Quinn Conroy, and Rebel Conroy-Newton. She also leaves her brothers, Arthur and John (Susan); sister-in-law, Susie; and her best friend, Pamela Maier Topham; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Catherine Leon, and her siblings, Nancy, Eileen, Kathy, and Rich-whom we like to imagine she's laughing with now.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date this fall. After a lifetime of managing curly hair, Rita would not have approved of a gathering in humid weather. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local food bank in her name-a cause she cared deeply about and supported throughout her life.