Our dear mother, Rita Pagan-Lebron, sadly passed away on October 14, 2024, at the age of 82. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. A friend to many, she was a cherished resident of the community in Vineland, NJ, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and strength. Rita enjoyed caring for her beautiful gardens filled with amazing flowers. She also loved listening to music, cooking traditional Spanish dishes, and taking trips with family and friends to the casinos.

Born on May 31, 1942, in Lares, Puerto Rico, Rita was the daughter of Demancio Pagan and Genara Martinez, and her stepfather was Ramon Galarza, Sr. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Jose Galarza, and her sister Bernarda Pagan-Arbelo. Rita is survived by her brother, Ramon Galarza, Jr., and her beloved children: Zoraida Melendez and her husband, Hector Melendez, of Florida; Marisol Carter of New Jersey; Hector Lebron and Ivan Gnatyshyn of Florida; Elio Lebron and Elizabeth Rivera of Puerto Rico; Daniel Lebron of New Jersey; and Leo Ramos and Cherie Ramos of New Jersey. She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews.

She was a proud grandmother to Priscilla Lebron, Tiffany Carter, Jovanni Melendez, Tyler Dill, Christopher Lebron, Brandon Lebron, and Melania Ramos. Additionally, she was a wonderful great-grandmother to Lily Holt, Kayson Young, Kobey Young, and Alivia Young. Now she is in a peaceful place with her dog, Lucky (Goody). Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Full of love, laughter, and resilience, Rita touched the lives of all who knew her. To commemorate her incredible journey and to celebrate the love she spread, a funeral service will be held in her honor at Divine Mercy Parish 23 W. Chestnut Ave., Vineland, NJ, on Monday, October 21, 2024. The viewing will take place from 9 AM to 11 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland. We invite all who knew her to join us in remembering a truly remarkable woman.

Please visit www.wbfuneralhome.com to send online condolences to the family.

Arrangements are by the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.