Ritanne Mary Dewan

In Loving Memory of a Beautiful Soul



It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Ritanne (nee Schmitt) Dewan, who departed this life on July 13, 2025 at the age of 84. She left this world peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family.



Ritanne was more than just a mother, MomMom, and GG-she was our heart, our guide, our constant. Her love was unconditional, her strength unshakable, and her kindness limitless. She taught us the meaning of grace, resilience, faith, and compassion through the life she lived and the love she gave so freely.



Born on December 12, 1940 to the late Joseph and Rita Appell Schmitt, Ritanne graduated from St. Cecilia's and St. Hubert Catholic High School. Ritanne devoted her life to her family, always placing others before herself. Her laughter could fill a room, and her gentle words brought comfort to all who knew her. If you were lucky enough to spend time at her home

of more than 60 years on Benson Street, you were sure to enjoy Ritanne's chocolate chip cookies, iced tea, and chicken salad. Ritanne was a Fox Chase resident from birth to 82 years until moving in with her sister and brother-in-law in Chalfont, PA. Ritanne spent her final weeks with her daughter, Anne, and son-in-law, Tony in Douglassville, PA. No matter where she was, she had a way of making everyone feel special, known, and loved.



Ritanne is predeceased by her husband, Gerald Dewan. She was the selfless mother to her children: Dr. Rita Jablonski, Margaret Schickling (David), Anne Laurin (Anthony), Arthur Seeger III (Allison), Joseph Seeger (Dawn), she was the devoted MomMom to eleven grandchildren: Clare, Sara, Courtney, Maria, Lauren, Mark, Julia, Erika, Dylan, Jessica, and Joseph. Ritanne was lucky enough to be a GG to six great-grandchildren who will carry her memory and legacy in their hearts forever. Ritanne was also survived by her loving siblings: Clare Sipmeier (Wilheim), Elizabeth Schmitt, and William Schmitt (Johanna). She was predeceased in death by her brothers: J. Patrick and Rev. Laurence Schmitt. Though she is no longer physically with us, her spirit and love remain a guiding light in our lives.



Family and friends are invited to call Monday, July 21st 9:30 AM and to participate in Ritanne's Funeral Mass at 10:30AM at St. Cecilia Church 535 Rhawn St. Philadelphia, PA 19111. Int. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Philadelphia Firefighters Widow Fund Local 22 Charitable Trust 415 N 5th Street. Philadelphia, PA 19123, an organization close to her heart.



Mom, your love was our greatest gift. We will miss you every day, but we know you are watching over us. Thank you for everything. Rest peacefully, sweet soul.





Floral deliveries may be made directly to the church Monday morning by 9 AM.