Rita Marcia Golden

Rita Golden, 95
Rita Golden of Smyrna, died Friday September 5, 2025 in her home.
Rita was the daughter of Julian and Dorothy Stonefield and was born in Detroit. She and her family lived in Chicago and Rochester, NY until moving to Wilmington, DE where she graduated from P.S. DuPont High School and received an Associates Degree in Art History from Wesley College.
Rita met the love of her life, Martin Golden and together they moved to Smyrna in 1950 to open Golden Pharmacy, initially at 1 N. Main Street and then moved to a new building at 27 N. Main. She was involved in many community activities including the Jaycees and Girl Scouts. She was a lifelong member of Beth Shalom in Dover, continuously supporting the Jewish community.
Rita was a passionate artist, having studied with Frank Schoonover prior to moving to Smyrna. Her paintings hang in many homes in the community. Rita started a second career as the activities Director at DHCI and retired after serving the residents there for 20 years.
She was predeceased by her husband, Martin Golden in 2007 and is survived by her daughter Mina Johns (Ric) and son Chad Golden (Teresa). She is survived by grandchildren, Aaron Johns (Jen), Jennifer Dunlap (Dennis), Holly Walker, Darrin Johnson, Jr. (Rose) and Jacob Golden (Angie).
She is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren Sahara Golden, Dublin Dunlap, Thalia Golden and Calliope Golden.
As Rita was an avid reader, donations may be made to Duck Creek Regional Library in lieu of flowers.
A private graveside service will be at Sharon Hills Memorial Cemetery.