Rita M. Truax

Rita Mae Truax (nee Close), of Galloway, NJ, a devoted and beloved Wife, Mother, Mommom & GiGi and friend passed away peacefully at home on April 19,2025 at the age of 88, surrounded by the love of her family close and far. Rita was born on March 24, 1937 in Atlantic City, NJ and grew up in the Ducktown section. She was a member of Holy Spirit High School class of 1956. She married Eugene Truax Jr, the love of her life on January 5, 1957 and became a proud Airforce wife for the next 6 years.

Moving back to South Jersey in 1963, they purchased a house in birdland till 1972 when her husband built her dream home that she resided in for 52 years. Mom lived a life full of love, laughter, and unshakable dedication to her family. She loved watching her kid’s extra-curricular activities and then the grandkids activities. She had many hobbies including decorating the house for Fall and Christmas where she won many years of the Christmas decorating contests and gardening. Mom had a deep love for Bingo, puzzles, cards, board games and word searches as well as sewing, painting, scrapbooking and jewelry making. Her crocheting left countless blankets, with each woven stitch becoming treasured heirlooms.

Starting in her teens, she was a member of Lucille Russo’s Star Review on Garden Pier in Atlantic City which was the start of her volunteering for different organizations. Mom, an Original Absegami High School Band Parent, held the treasurer position from 1972-76.

She was a sponsor and the set designer for the Miss Absecon Pageant from 1979-83 and she was also the director of the Miss Egg Harbor City Pageant from 1982-85.

Mom’s love for floral design started as a teen while working at her mother’s flower shop (Marge’s) in Atlantic City until 1978. That love and creative passion blossomed into her own shop, Lantern Lite Florist on New Jersey Avenue in Absecon. Upon retirement, to fulfill her itch she worked part time at Aschman Florist in Galloway.

Her love was constant—overflowing, pure, and unconditional. She was the kind of woman who would do anything for her family and friends. Her heart was boundless.

She was predeceased by Her husband of 42 years in 1999, Eugene G. Truax Jr; her son, David; her parents, David & Margaret Close (Cairns); her in-laws Eugene G., Sr. and Elizabeth (Betty) (nee Walsh) Truax; and her son-in-law, Frederick Schroer Jr.

She is survived by her children, Tamera, Erich (Nikki) and Keli-Jo; her Grandchildren, Melanie Schroer (Steve Foell), Rebecca Small (Charles III), Mike Erwin (Brittany), Corey Truax (Nicole), Michael Truax, Jeffrey Giannini (Laura Weierheiser) and Fred Adkisson; her Great-Grandchildren, Theresa Foell, Nicholas Foell, Mazikeen Small, Charles Small IV, Brayden Erwin, Emmett Erwin, Avery Erwin, Carter Truax, Finley Truax, 1 yet to be named, Owyn Martinez, Irvyn Giannini and Nohlyn Giannini; her

Sister, Gail Dent; her niece, Terri-Ann Dent-Hamilton; and nephew, Roger Dent and many great & great-great nieces, nephews and cousins.

Our family would like to thank NJ Hospice, (Kia, Gladys, Lauree, Leslie, Christin) and the Atlantic County JACC Program (Jennifer & Chris) for all their help and kindness for mom and our family.

The family would like to thank Rose from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for coming and giving mom communion weekly over the past 3 yrs. For sitting and reminiscing with Mom about Atlantic City in the good ole days, the way the rest of us could not. Rose’s love and kindness has been such a blessing.

Visitation will be 9AM to 10:45AM on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 591 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11AM. Graveside service will follow at Laurel Memorial Park, Egg Harbor Twp. For online condolences, please visit www.parselsfh.com.