Rita J. Sabella

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Rita J. Sabella, 74, of Tidioute, and formerly of Youngsville who passed away Sunday morning, August 15, 2021 at UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie after a brief illness.   Born on March 5, 1947 in Tidioute, she was the  daughter of the late Robert and Lucille Barton Sutton.  Rita was a graduate of the Class of 1965 of Tidioute High School.  She went to  Hamot Hospital School of Nursing and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1968.  She began her nursing career with the former New Process Company, now Blair Corporation, retiring from Blair after 31 years of service in 2006 as Insurance Compensation Benefit Manager.

Rita will be remembered by her two surviving sons and their wives, Michael J. (Crystal) Heenan  and Andrew R. (Bobbie) Heenan, both of Tidioute; five grandchildren, Kent Heenan,  Owen Heenan,  Andrew Heenan, Jr., Kasey Heenan and Gus Heenan; four siblings, Sharon Bailey of Meadville, PA, James (Rhea) Sutton of Sheffield, Dena (Curt) Bowley of Barnes, PA, and Jay Sutton of Tidioute;   several nieces, nephews and cousins; and her puppy, Meko.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her dogs, (her girls) Lady and Meitu.  She was an avid animal lover and those wishing to make a memorial in her memory may do so to Warren County Humane Society Paws Along The River.

At Rita’s request, no public services will be held.  The family will have a private gathering at a later time.  McKinney Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Inc., 54 W. Main St., Youngsville, PA have been entrusted with all arrangements.  Expressions of sympathy may be left by visiting www.mckinneyfuneral.com

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