Rita Leadbitter

Rita Odak Leadbitter, 100, widow of George W. Leadbitter and resident of Onancock, Virginia, formerly of Wappingers Falls, New York, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Commonwealth Senior Living at the Eastern Shore in Onancock.

Born in Milan, New York, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Odak and Anna Besjedica Odak. During World War II, Rita was employed at IBM on the munitions line, proudly contributing to the war effort. In addition to being a devoted homemaker, she also worked in the retail industry.

Rita was an active volunteer throughout her life, giving her time to her children’s elementary school PTAs and serving as President of the Mid-Hudson Ballet Company, where she supported local arts and community programs.

She is survived by her two daughters, Betsy Fabbri and her husband, Edward, of Litchfield, Connecticut, and Joan Doughty and her husband, Scott, of Onley, Virginia; three grandchildren, Andy Fabbri (Jessica), Alec Fabbri (Kelly), and Anna Doughty (Venkat); and one great-grandchild, Finnegan Fabbri.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Riverside Hospice Care Eastern Shore, 23379 Commerce Drive, Accomac, VA 23301.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. Doughtyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.