Rita F. Sebring

On August 17, 2016 at 7:20 A.M. the light in the lives of many people was extinguished when Rita F. Sebring passed away after a two and a half year battle with cancer. Her family and many friends surrounded her in loving support as she transitioned from pain to heavenly peace, making her final days of life rich with love, story-telling, and song that helped the living cope with their expression of grief. The daughter of the late Gloria Von Lansbach, who had been one of the original Rockettes, and Joseph Lombardi, band leader at the Latin Quarter in New York City for many years, Rita F. Sebring was the oldest of three children and was raised and educated in Philadelphia. Rita graduated third in her class at Roxborough High School, earning an academic scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania and graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in education. While at Penn, she played field hockey, took part in the swim team, was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, and worked as a hostess at the Philadelphia Marriott hotel. Rita and her husband, Edward B. Sebring II, have known each other for 63 years, first meeting at Levering Elementary School. During that time many events occurred that shaped their lives. Rita’s life was devoted to participating in the only job she ever wanted—teaching. Her teaching career began at Olney and Overbrook High Schools in Philadelphia. Then, after moving to Maryland, she spent one year teaching at North Harford High School before beginning a 40-year career at Kennard-Dale High School in Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania. The joy brought to her students during her teaching career came from her “no nonsense” approach to achieving satisfaction from doing your best, regardless of your academic level or interest. Over the years Rita and Ed were blessed to have three children, Karol (the eldest), Eddie (“heir to the throne”), and Ryan (the child who presented Rita with the most challenges). The marriage of Karol to Brian, Eddie to Anya, and Ryan to Stacey further blessed them with seven grandchildren. Gillian, Braden, Ben, Emma, Alex, Blaine, and Brooks were the focus of Rita’s retirement years and she was not apologetic about spoiling them whenever possible. Rita is preceded in death by her mother, father, and younger sister, Roni, who she traveled with often and it was this travel together that helped keep her life joyful and renewed family bonds. She is survived by her immediate family and brother, Joseph Lombardi, who lives in Arkansas with his family. A celebration of life to honor Rita F. Sebring will be held October 1, 2016 from 5:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M. at the Eureka Volunteer Fire Department located at 82 North Main Street in Stewartstown, Pennsylvania. Friends, family, and former students and teachers are encouraged to attend and gather in support of one another to share memories, photos, and their condolences.