Rita Caprio Stabley

Rita Caprio Stabley, 91, of Mill Hall passed away on Easter Sunday at her home, surrounded by family and holding the hand of her lifelong sweetheart, Jim. They were to celebrate 70 years of love and happiness on their anniversary just two days later.

Rita was born on June 22, 1931 to Thomas and Stella (Marr) Caprio in Lock Haven. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from Lock Haven State Teachers College. Rita married James Stabley on April 11, 1953 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Following their wedding, Rita lived with Jim in Augusta, GA and Stuttgart, Germany while he served in the U.S. Army. They then settled in Mill Hall to build a home and raise their two children. In 1970, Rita was hired as one of the first kindergarten teachers in Mill Hall. She served in that position until her retirement in 1993 and was a positive influence on many young lives. Rita always found great joy in reminiscing with her former students.

After retirement, Rita remained very active in the community. She volunteered at Lock Haven Hospital and made prayer shawls for patients. She was a member of the Clinton Piecemakers Quilt Guild, the Hibernians, and the Retired Teachers Association. She was a faithful parishioner of the Holy Spirit Parish. The couple traveled extensively, enjoyed learning new things together, and spent many happy times relaxing at their river cottage. Her hobbies included baking, gardening, and birdwatching. She excelled at all kinds of needlework. Rita valued time with family and gathered often with her loved ones for good food, conversations, and celebrations.

Rita was such a good woman who would “love you to pieces” and was deeply loved in return.

Rita, known affectionately as “Grammy” to her family, will be greatly missed by her children, Theresa (JD) Miller and Chris (Dawn) Stabley, and her grandchildren, Jessica (Mike) Miller, Jason (Alissa) Stabley, Elizabeth (Dan) Sutter, Nancy (Alex) Clemens, and Rebecca (Jon) Nagel. She was also a beloved great-grandmother to Adeleine, Ian, and Caelan Sutter, Mara and Lucy Miller, Stella Clemens, and soon to join the family Christopher and Elijah.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Donations in Rita’s memory may be made to the Clinton County SPCA, Roads to Peace Shelter, or the Large Print section of the Ross Library, c/o of Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington, PA 17745.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com