Rita Stuewe

Rita Marie Kane Stuewe November 6, 1937 – October 25, 2025
Rita Marie Kane Stuewe passed away peacefully at her home in Somerset, New Jersey, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She courageously battled Alzheimer's disease and MDS cancer with incredible grace and faith.
Born on November 6, 1937, Rita was the eleventh child of Thomas R. and Margaret (Gibbons) Kane. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Dennis H. Stuewe; her parents, Thomas and Margaret Kane; and her siblings Dennis (Margaret) Kane, Gerard (Dorothy) Kane, Helen (Leo) Simonson, Thomas Kane, Sister M. Gabriel Kane, IHM, Joseph Kane, Margaret Williams, Alice (Leo) Gallagher, Frank (Virginia) Kane, Kathryn (John) Schaal, and Sr. Margaret Mary Kane, IHM.
Rita is survived by her three loving children: Denise (JJ) Quenault, Michael (Suzanne) Stuewe, and Meghan (Bill) Hayes; her nine cherished grandchildren: Chase and Kane Quenault, Michael, Matthew, Luke, and Gabriel Stuewe, and Riley, William, and Jack Hayes; and her dear sister, Sister Mary Alice Kane, IHM.
Rita entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in September 1955. She served as an IHM Sister for thirteen years before discerning that God was calling her to serve Him in a different way.
Rita devoted more than 40 years to teaching in New Jersey schools, including Grant School, Franklin School, and Rutgers Preparatory School. While teaching in South Plainfield, she met the love of her life, Dennis Stuewe. The two married on June 19, 1971, and together raised their family as devoted members of St. Matthias Church in Somerset.
After retiring, Rita continued her life of faith and service. A daily communicant, she served St. Matthias Church as a lector, Eucharistic and homebound minister, Parish Council member, RCIA and Vacation Bible School instructor, and active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Rosary Altar Society. Rita and Dennis also chaired the St. Matthias Summer Carnival for five years. In her retirement, she joyfully returned to St. Matthias School as a substitute teacher, classroom reader, and aide.
Rita was a beloved member of the St. Matthias community and a cherished friend to many. She was known for her radiant smile, warm hugs, and deep compassion. Rita had a special gift for making everyone feel loved and valued, always seeing Christ in others. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith touched countless lives. Rita's greatest joy was her family-her husband, children, and grandchildren-whom she loved beyond measure. She truly was an angel on earth.