Rita Schappert Brislin RN

Most unexpectedly, Rita Schappert Brislin, RN of Wilkes-Barre was called home by God on Christmas morning, December 25, 2014. Born August 20, 1930 she was the beloved daughter of the late Edward and Martha Kelly Schappert, and widow of the late John G. Brislin.

Rita was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre and received her elementary and high school education at Saint Nicholas Parish School. Upon graduation from high school Rita entered Mercy Hospital School of Nursing where, at the culmination of her studies, she began her thirty-year career of devoted nursing care at Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre.

Rita was a loving daughter and sister, devoted wife and dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her generous, deep, faith-filled spirit and loving compassion, trusted insight and gentle wisdom enriched all of her interactions with family and friends. She will be deeply missed but kept close in heart and memory by all who knew and loved her. She had great devotion to Our Blessed Mother and the rosary.

Rita was dedicated to all aspects of her nursing duties, always keeping thorough, skilled, tender patient care uppermost in mind and served as an inspiration to colleagues. During her years of employment, she served in many staff areas as well as in a number of leadership positions. She completed further professional studies at Luzerne County Community College and King’s College. She retired from cardiac service duties at Mercy in 1994.

Following retirement Rita spent many hours as a nurse volunteer with the Wilkes-Barre Chapter, Red Cross blood services. She also assisted with the planning and organization of the local Wilkes-Barre Free Clinic as well as offering her nursing care there upon its opening.

Rita was a lifelong Catholic and member of the Parish of Saint Nicholas where she was a faithful member of its Prayer Shawl Ministry, joining the group at its formation. Her many beautiful shawls were greatly appreciated by those receiving them. Additionally, she was an Associate of the Sister of Christian Charity in their community’s Companion of Pauline Ministry. Among her great pleasures was her fifty-year plus participation with dear friends in their regular luncheon and card club gatherings. She was an avid gardener whose prize tomatoes were treats to receive. A wonderful cook, she offered warm hospitality to all at her table. She was also a book lover. Her enthusiasm, optimistic outlook and kindness in all of these areas will never be forgotten.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, John G. in 1985, a son, Kevin in 2001 and daughter-in-law, Maryellen Corbett Brislin in 2007.

Left to treasure Rita’s memory are her sons, John E. Brislin of Parsons, Edward Brislin of Wilkes-Barre and Keith Brislin of Dunmore; daughter-in-law, Ruth Brislin of Wilkes-Barre; nine grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Rosemary Schappert Pembleton of Bethlehem; nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Celebration of Rita’s Life will be held Monday at 8:30 AM from McLaughlin’s, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre with a Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM in the Church of Saint Nicholas. Interment will be in Saint Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be at McLaughlin’s on Sunday from 2 to 5 PM.

Memorial donations are preferred and may be made to Saint Nicholas Church Building Fund, 226 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, 18701 or Wilkes-Barre Free Clinic Prescription Fund, 35 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, 18701.

Permanent messages and memories can be shared with Rita’s family at www.lifecelebrations.com