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Rita A. Adams, 91, of Altoona, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning at Garvey Manor Nursing Home. She was born in Yatesboro, Pa., to the late George and Johanna "Lena" (Bonavida) Brochetti.
Rita graduated from Rural Valley High School and later moved to Altoona, where she built a long and full life. She met James J. Adams at a Catholic youth group, and they were married on July 15, 1961. He preceded her in death on Sept. 17, 2004.
Four children survive her: James G. Adams MD (Jojo) of Chicago; Joseph K. Adams (Elizabeth M.) of Great Falls, Va., and Altoona; Cecelia A. Adams of Kensington, Md.; and Jeffrey A. Adams of Altoona. Seven grandchildren also blessed Rita's life: David, Gregory, Katherine, Nicholas, Leah, Sydney and Trent. She is also survived by two (and a half) great-grandchildren: Andrew (AJ), Isla, and another on the way. Two sisters survive her as well: Marilyn Brochetti of Kittanning and Janice Burke in Michigan; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Rita was a devoted member of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament for more than 60 years. The parish shaped the lives and spirit of her and her family in meaningful ways. Rita especially enjoyed singing with the Cathedral Choir, including national and international concert travels over many years. She and James were devoted to their home parish at the Cathedral as well as to St. Mary's, Jim's childhood parish. They moved to Red Hill and purchased an old farm that brought them immense joy -- and plenty of demanding work.
Rita took great pride in caring for their home and extensive acreage. She had a special love and talent for landscaping and spent countless hours mowing the expansive lawn, tending to her plants and flowers and making the property beautiful. She also helped care for the remarkable variety of farm animals they had over the years, except for the geese, which she continued to complain about long after they were gone. Her longtime interests included league bowling, bridge, pinochle and other card games. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
She was known for her quick wit, strength of character and comments that could be both startlingly perceptive and impossible to forget. Little escaped her keen eye, and many who met her found themselves the subject of its attention. Her earthly presence will be deeply missed, although those who knew her will continue to feel her impact long after her transition to eternal life.
Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at The Stevens Mortuary Inc., 1421 Eighth Ave., Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament with Monsignor Stanley B. Carson as celebrant. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
The family suggests that contributions be made in memory of Rita to the James J. and Rita A. Adams Endowment, c/o Bishop Guilfoyle Academy, 2400 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.
Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or on the Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.