Rita A. Gomes, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 5, 2017 with her family by her side. Born in British Guyana, South America, she moved to the U.S. as a teenager, and resided in Yardville most of her life. She attended Rider College where she studied English and was later employed as an executive secretary with the State of New Jersey, Department of Corrections.

Rita was a talented musician. She was classically trained on the piano and had a beautiful singing voice. She was a devout Christian and a member of Columbus Baptist Church. After her retirement, she would often lead worship service by singing and playing guitar for small groups such as the Women's Aglow and Full Gospel Businessmen Association. She was a lover of books, an avid reader, and enjoyed the company of cats. She had a very unique, warm, and genuine personality and was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Predeceased by her infant brother, Justin Gomes, her grandson, Frank Oresic, and her former husband, Joseph Oresic, she is survived by beloved children: Mari Oresic of Southampton, Ann Bihari and her husband Greg of Hamilton, Mark Oresic of Seaside Heights, and Vincent Oresic and his wife Brenda Oresic of Mount Holly. Six grandchildren: Charity Ayers and husband Matt, Leah Oresic and fiancé Phil, Chris Oresic and fiancé Nicole, Tara Hutchens, Jonathan Cieplechowicz, and Rebekah Bihari.

Funeral Services will be held at 10am on Saturday, May 13th at the Columbus Baptist Church, 24260 W. Main St., Columbus, NJ. Interment will follow in North Crosswicks Cemetery, Hamilton Township. Calling hours are Friday evening from 7 to 9pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St., Allentown, NJ.