Rita Wambach
Rita Carol Wambach, 79, of Harrisburg, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Holy Spirit Hospital.
Rita Carol was born on October 15, 1944 on Boas Street in Midtown Harrisburg to the late Peter Cyrano Wambach, Sr. and Margherita Carmela (Zarbo) Wambach. She was the fourth of fourteen siblings.
She attended Saint Francis School, Saint Margaret Mary School, and Bishop McDevitt High School where she was a proud member of the class of 1962. Rita Carol attended nursing school at Saint Mary’s in Philadelphia and completed additional certifications at Harrisburg Area Community College.
Rita Carol worked as a Registered Nurse on staff at her beloved Holy Spirit Hospital. She was a member of the orthopedics team and founder of the IV/PICC team for a combined total of 40 years of service to patients. She has been described as “the human example of the mission of Holy Spirit Hospital.” After retirement, Rita volunteered her time and care at Holy Spirit Hospital. She has continued this volunteer work for the last 10 years. Most recently, she greeted staff and checked-in visitors as they entered the hospital’s main lobby on Wednesday mornings.
Rita Carol was a devoted parishioner of the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick, where she was a member of Cathedral Choir for over 50 years. Music ministry was the foundation of her devotion to God. She was involved in a multitude of additional ministries at the church. Most notably, she was a member of the Diocesan Choir and served as the Nurse for the Diocese of Harrisburg and Cathedral Parish.
She was a proud multi-decade resident of Harrisburg’s Midtown Neighborhood. She was a member of the Midtown Action Council, Harrisburg Historical Society, and a proud supporter of the City of Harrisburg. Rita had notable pride in her homeownership and an eye for design. She loved hosting friends and family in her home and filling it with items that reflected her journey through life and impeccable taste. Her home was featured on several of the Christmas Candlelight Tours.
Rita Carol’s family was her pride and joy. She was devoted daughter, sister, aunt, Godmother, cousin, great-aunt, and, most importantly, Mom and Nonna. Surviving is her daughter, Hannah Wambach Sprenkle and her husband, Robert E. Sprenkle, Jr. of Mechanicsburg, two grandsons; Robert Eugene Sprenkle, III, Henry Girard Sprenkle, 11 loving siblings, their beloved spouses and families, and her wonderful Zarbo family. Additionally, Rita Carol treasured her extensive chosen family which she grew throughout her lifetime. She was preceded in death by two sisters; Mary Theresa Wambach and Patricia Roxanne Hill.
Rita Carol’s spirit was vibrant and full of bountiful joy. She loved with abundance and intention. She saw God’s spirit in every person that she met. She considered herself a servant and that mission was her steadfast guide.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 5:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Neumyer Funeral Home, 1334 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 17,2024 at the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick, 212 State Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Burial will be following the mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, Harrisburg.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School, 225 North St., Harrisburg, PA 17101.