Rita Cecilia Gemmell

Rita C. (Brown) Gemmell, 86, passed away on November 17, 2025 at her home in Minersville.

Rita was born in Pottsville on February 25,1939 and was the daughter of the late James and Elizabeth (Laudeman) Brown.

She was preceded in death by her husband John W. “Jack” Gemmell, Sr., daughter, Kelly Ann Gemmell, grandson, Colin Snyder and sister, Rosemary Imschweiler.

She was a member of Holy Family Parish formerly St. Vincent DePaul of Minersville.

Rita was an operator at Bell Telephone in Philadelphia. She then worked for Nativity B.V.M. High School for 37 years before retiring.

She was a member of the Holy Family Parish, Young at Heart Club.

Surviving are her children, John Gemmell, Jr., James Gemmell (Brenda), Colleen Kline (Bill), Shawn Gemmell (Kris), Maureen Yoachim (Steven), ten grandchildren, Brian Gemmell, Lauren Backy, Kaitlyn Thompson, William Kline III, Cody Gemmell, Kelsey Kline, Justin Kline, Abigail Snyder, Elizabeth Yoachim and Steven Yoachim, Jr., and six great grandchildren, Temperance Gemmell, Mabel Gemmell, Flint Backy, Preston Thompson, Cora Backy and Harper Thompson. Also surviving is her beloved sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Valosin.

A Visitation will be held from 8:30 AM –10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home, Minersville, PA. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Sunbury St., Minersville, with Fr. Jojappa Adagatla, MSC officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to: Sisters of Saint Joseph: https://developmentssj.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/PYEVM6DX or Development Office, Mount Saint Joseph Convent, 9701 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118

Mahal-Ritzel Funeral Home Inc. entrusted with the arrangements.

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