Anna Rita Bega (Rita), 95, a longtime resident of East Mountain, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, at St. Mary's Villa Residence after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. She was the wife of the late William Stephen Bega who died in 1981, they were married 30 years. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. Mary’s Villa and Dr. Dunay for their excellent care, kindness and compassion.

Born January 7, 1931 in Taylor she was the daughter of the late John and Anna (Gera) Shimo. A 1948 graduate of Scranton Technical High School, she worked as a proofreader for Herff Jones (Carnation Company) formerly Printcraft Card Company for more than 40 years.

Survivors include her children, Michael Bega of Mt. Wolf, Ann Marie Arcure and husband, Mark, of Clarks Summit, sister, Marge Sawicki, grandchildren, Stephen Arcure and wife Catherine, Ryan Bega, and Nicole Hance and husband, Cody, great grandchildren, Sophia and Mackenzie Arcure, many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by a son, William Gerard "Jerry" Bega, and sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Paul Yeager, brother-in-law Harry Sawicki and nephew David Sawicki.

The funeral will be Tuesday at 10am at St. Theresa of Calcutta Church, 1217 Prospect Ave, Scranton, with a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. The family will receive relatives and friends from 9-9:45am at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s name to donor’s organization of choice.