Rita Marie Cowher, a longtime resident of Union Twp., passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Saturday, May 4, 2019, in her home.

Mrs. Cowher was born June 26, 1937, in New Castle, a daughter of the late Ludwig and Veronica (Gumienny) Lubinski.  She attended the former St. Mary's Parochial Grade School and graduated from New Castle High School in 1955 . Her beloved husband of 61 years, Hal Cowher, whom she married July 19, 1958, survives at home.

Primarily a homemaker, Rita dedicated her life to caring for her husband, seven children, and their home. In her youth, she worked at the A&P. Later in life, Rita worked at Rocky's Market, Caiazza Candy, and with her love of flowers, became a floral designer at Cialella & Carney and Weingartner Florists, all of New Castle.

Rita was a life-long member Mary, Mother of Hope Parish where she actively volunteered her time and talents maintaining the floral gardens on the church grounds for many years.

She enjoyed horticulture and tending to her huge garden and beautiful flowers in her yard.  Rita was always visiting family and friends, and was always eager to help them with yardwork or provide support wherever it was needed.

An avid athlete, Rita also loved nature.  She organized many family camping trips, and later continued to camp with her husband during retirement at the family camp in the mountains. Rita enjoyed hiking, cross country skiing, and waterskiing.  She was proud to show her family that she could still get up on a slalom ski at the age of 75.  Rita took up running in her 40's and became a member of the Second Wind Running Club.  She participated in many races starting with 5Ks, but quickly advanced to 10Ks and eventually half marathons and triathlons.  She continued riding her 1970s Schwinn bicycle until her late 70s, and loved walking her faithful dog, Barney, several times a day.

A devoted grandmother to her twelve grandchildren, she loved baking treats with them, playing games, and sharing her love of the outdoors.

In addition to her devoted husband, Rita is survived by her seven children, Jeff Cowher, of New Brighton, PA; Donna Grotzinger, of San Marino, California; Chris Mihajlov, of Penfield, NY; Mark Cowher, Mike Cowher, James Cowher, and Jennifer Fisher, all of New Castle, PA; twelve grandchildren; and two loving sisters, Mildred Luba, of Mercer, PA and Gloria Rhodes, of Erie, PA; along with a large extended family of brother and sister-in-laws, and nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed towards the Alzheimer's Association – Greater Pittsburgh Chapter, 1100 Liberty Ave., Suite E 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday (5-9-19) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday (5-10-19) in St. Mary Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, with Rev. Victor J. Molka, Jr., as celebrant.

Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Union Twp.