Rita C. McKeon

Rita C. McKeon passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at the Center for Hope Hospice, Scotch Plains, NJ. She was born in Bayonne, NJ to the late Felicia and Henry Morawick and was a long-time resident of Bayonne.

She was a graduate of Bayonne High School as well as New Jersey City University (NJCU) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and Master of Arts in Nursing Education. Ms. McKeon was a passionate and dedicated Registered Nurse, especially as a School Nurse for the Jersey City Board of Education for over 30 years.  Her favorite time was at Ferris High School in Jersey City where she met a very special group of friends that would remain her friends throughout her life.  During her time as a school nurse, Ms. McKeon was the President of the Hudson County School Nurses Association and had a significant and positive influence on other nurses throughout Hudson County.  After her retirement from the Jersey City Board of Education, Ms. McKeon became an adjunct professor of Health Sciences at NJCU.  In 2006, she was awarded the NJCU Distinguished School Nurse Alumna of the Year Award.

Ms. McKeon greatly enjoyed the Jersey Shore in Point Pleasant, playing the slots in Atlantic City and traveling.  Most of all Ms. McKeon loved spending time with family and friends. She had the greatest group of loving and caring friends that enjoyed their time on the Point Pleasant beach, traveling to places like Alaska and Europe and going out to dinner.  She held a special place in her heart for her sister and brother and always enjoyed spending time with them and her nieces.  She cherished her sons’ families and her grandchildren, with the biggest smile brought to her face watching her grandkids play sports, act in the school play or be silly at holiday parties; she loved every moment with them.

Ms. McKeon is survived by her sons Justin, and his wife Melissa, and Patrick, and his wife Cathy; her beloved grandchildren, Casey, Riley, Connor, Jack, Cate, Hank and Elle; her sister Marcia Ruhl and husband Harry; her brother, Henry Morawick and wife Dani; as well as her nieces Janice and her husband James, Marcy and her husband Chris, Jessica and her husband Matt and Amanda and her husband Mike; and several close and loving cousins.

The funeral will be conducted by Bayonne Memorial Home, Inc. Visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at the funeral home.  A funeral Mass will be offered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Monday, November 29, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.  followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Jersey State Nurses Association.  

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