Obituary of Sarah Rita Hodge

Sarah Rita Hodge, of Pompton Plains, formerly of Denville, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, September 22, 2018. She was 83 years young. 

Born and raised in Jersey City to the late Michael and Grace Croghan, she was one of six children. She graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Jersey City and received first place in a city wide essay contest that was awarded by Mayor Hague. In 1955 she married the love of her life, Thomas Francis Hodge, Jr., and together they raised their family in Denville. Thomas and Rita enjoyed spending summers at their home in Maryland on the Eastern Shore, especially after retirement. She was an excellent cook and homemaker, with a great sense of interior design and fashion.  Rita had many gifts but what she valued most was being a loving mother and wife.

Rita’s character was known by all who knew her as a loving, kind, and compassionate woman.  She was a supportive, caring and a true friend. Rita was forever grateful and truly wished the best for everyone she knew. She endured many health issues facing every event with strength and grace.  Rita never complained about her circumstances, ever. A devout and spiritual Catholic, she instilled her faith in her children. Her faith carried her through the painful loss of her daughter, Alicia Mary in 2014.  Rita was truly one of a kind and will be forever treasured in our hearts and souls. 

Predeceased by four siblings and her adored daughter, Alicia Mary Saribalis, she leaves only joyful memories to her beloved husband of 63 years, Thomas; her cherished children, Thomas Hodge III, Bethann Pickett and her husband James, and Meghan Hodge and her husband Bryan Lawson; her loving son-in-law Nicholas Saribalis; her treasured grandchildren, Stephen Saribalis, Joanna Saribalis, Kenneth Pickett, Sarah Pickett, Catherine Pickett, Ella Lawson, and Jack Lawson; her sister in law, Alicia Sullivan and her caring sister, Patricia Enders; and many other extended family and friends. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 29^th at 12 pm at St. Catherine of Siena RC Church, 10 N. Pocono Rd, Mt. Lakes, NJ . Burial will follow at Denville Cemetery. Public Visitation will be held on Friday, September 28^th from 6 – 8 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville. Memorial Donations are being accepted by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org to the American Diabetes Association. Please leave a condolence and special memory for her family.