Rita Regina Adams

Rita Regina (Fagan) Adams of Collegeville, PA, formerly of Bethlehem, PA and Simsbury, CT, passed from this world peacefully into the arms of the Lord on September 19, 2026, surrounded by her family. Rita was born and raised in Bethlehem, PA on August 31, 1931, and had recently celebrated her 95th birthday with her family. Rita was the beloved wife of the late Martin (Marty) Adams for 65 years.

Rita graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School in 1949 where she met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Marty. Rita then went on to graduate from Misericordia Nursing School in Philadelphia. She worked as a registered nurse at the Bethlehem Steel and also in private nursing for the elderly for many years along with raising her family before her retirement. Rita moved around to several different locations for Marty's job, but once retired, they found their way back to Bethlehem which always held a special place in their hearts.

Rita was a devout Catholic and long-time parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Bethlehem where she was active member. She prayed the rosary and attended mass daily.

Rita's true joy in her life was her family. Her husband Marty, children, and grandchildren meant everything to her. She was blessed with 9 grandchildren, who adored her, and 4 great grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She enjoyed her vacations to the Jersey Shore and Ocean City, MD. She also loved doing ceramics where she made many treasured pieces for her family which they will cherish. Rita was known for her famous coffee cake, chocolate cake, and applesauce recipes among many others which her family enjoyed over many special occasions.

Rita is survived by her daughter Maureen Stokowski and her children Kelly (Tim) Russo and Sarah (Tim) Garrity; son Martin Adams and wife Cathi and their children Callaghan (Tyler) Stamer, Kennison (Chase) Burgess, and Canon; daughter Michelle O'Reilly and her husband Matt, and their children Matthew (Lexi), Sean, Kevin, and Colleen. Rita is also survived by great grandchildren Kensington, Brynleigh, Rowan, and Banks, along with many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Rita was preceded in death by her parents Stanley and Anna (Schmidli) Fagan; brother Frank and his wife Rosanne Fagan, sister Mary Finger, and her son-in-law Ken Stokowski.

Rita was the epitome of a wonderful Mom, Grammy, and Great Grammy. The sign in her kitchen that read "If Mom says no, ask Grammy" was the embodiment of the love and devotion she had for her grandchildren. All who knew her were embraced by her kindness, love, but also her brutal honesty. She will be missed every day by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 3219 Santee Road, Bethlehem, PA on Tuesday, September 29th at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 10-11 at the church. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved Marty.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita's memory may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 3219 Santee Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Online condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.