Rita Gell Obituary
Born in Boston, MA, Rita and her family moved to the Fulton and Syracuse, NY area as a young child. As the second child of 6, Rita remembered her childhood as simple and free filled with fun, roller skating and trips to visit family in Boston during the Great Depression.
Rita met her husband Jerry at Eastwood High even then cheering him on in sports. They married in 1953 returning to live and raise a family of 4 daughters in Syracuse, NY after Jerry's service in the Army.
Rita filled her time with children, volunteering, church duties and gardening, eventually also going to work as an administrative assistant for the public school system in the 70's.
Rita and Jerry retired and moved to Florida in 1998 and enjoyed their dream of living on golf courses in Sarasota and Ocala.
The couple spent the last 7 years in Virginia and NJ living near family.
Rita will be remembered as a faith-filled child of God, a loving wife and mother, a wonderful gardener, a great dancer, a prayer warrior and a best friend to many. Through her long life, she always gave God the Glory.
Rita is predeceased by her dear husband Jerry of nearly 72 years, who also recently passed, her precious parents, Lena Norton Hurder and William B Hurder, her brothers Robert Hurder, Paul Hurder, and John Hurder and her sister Claire Hurder Darling.
Surviving are her children Mary Kathleen Gell of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Nancy McVay of Bernardsville, NJ, Anne and David Malsbury of Huddleston, Virginia and Mary E (Mimi) Duerr of Baldwinsville NY. Also surviving are her sister Joan Flynn of Sarasota, Fl, many nieces and nephews including "like a son", Thomas J Hurder of Cicero, NY, four grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren who were blessed to know and love her.
Rita's heartfelt prayers were and will always be treasured by all.
Donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
A Catholic funeral mass will be held on May 1, 2025 at 1pm in St. Lucy's Church, 432 Gifford Street, Syracuse 13204.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita Gell, please visit Tribute Store
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Dawn Bucci
April 27, 2025
Dear Nancy, Anne, And my dearest friend Mimi,
How blessed you girls are to have your parents with you til their 90's. Rita was one of the kindest lady's I've ever known. She was the epitome of grace. She shared that grace with me in several conversations, I do not really know the words to express just how much she touched my heart. I will miss her and think about her daily. Thank you girls for allowing me to be part of her care team, sending much love to you all. Rita say hello to Jerry !!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
3111 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13206
Make a Donation
in Rita Gell's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
People and places connected with Rita
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Rita's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Rita Gell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
