Rita Kathryn Ortman
March 22, 1929-March 11, 2025
Rita Kathryn Ortman of Omaha, age 95, passed away on Tuesday March 11, 2025.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Ellen Ortman; brothers, Joseph, Edward Paul, and Charles; sisters: Mary, Eleanor, Margaret, Frances Immaculata, Anne, Frances Helen, Elizabeth (Betty); many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Rita Kathryn Ortman was born on March 22, 1929, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Edward Anton and Ellen Frances (Sweeney) Ortman. Raised in Omaha, she graduated from South High School. After high school she worked for an insurance company for one year before entering the Sisters of Mercy convent in 1948. She took the name of Sister Mary Antonella during the novitiate stage. After entering the convent, she started working towards her registered nursing degree. Once she completed her degree she moved to Joplin, Missouri, where she worked at Mercy Hospital Joplin. From there she headed to do missionary work in Peru and Chile. By 1970, she was back in Omaha studying public health nursing at Creighton University and living in a new experimental community.
Rita then decided to leave the order in November 1972 and move back to Omaha, but soon moved to Kentucky where she lived for 3 years working at a hospital. After that she moved to Santa Fe where she worked with people of all ages, including early childhood development, teen drug abuse, adult public health, and hospice care.
Before moving to Albuquerque, Rita became a massage therapist. While she was living in Albuquerque, she continued her social work which included service at Risen Savior Catholic Church, the local food bank, and many other charities. On top of all of that, Rita loved her book club and spent many hours weaving and gardening. Rita was the ultimate giver and succeeded by touching so many lives.
Her heart and spirit now rest in Peru and Chile.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, March 15, 2025, 12:00 noon, with Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard Presentation, at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers Masses.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
1 Condolence
God bless you, Aunt Rita!
Make sure you tell Saint Peter you were just kidding, every time , when asked how you were, you exclaimed: I’m AWNRY as ever and twice as MEAN!“
Rest in Peace, dear one !
Love, Roger & Esma Lee
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