Obituary of Brien Ritanna M. O'

O'Brien, Ritanna Marie (nee Crowley) was born on October 1, 1922 in Jersey City. She graduated from St. Michael's High School in Union City and late in life attended Bergen Community College. As a young girl, she danced professionally, then worked in NYC where she was an Executive Assistant at Pan Am Airways. She raised her five children in Lyndhurst, where she lived for over 40 years. After retirement, she taught English as a second language to many adult students and explored interests in Genealogy, where she traced her ancestors back to the 1700's. She also studied Astrology, which helped her understand people based on their birth signs, giving her great insight into characteristics and traits of those she came into contact with. She also loved Numerology and how numbers were significant in our lives. Ritanna's love of life did not end with her passing. She donated her body to medical research in hopes that she can help others live and survive through scientific advancement. Ritanna was predeceased by her husband, James and her sister, Janet Wright. She is survived by her children, Bonnie & her husband, Rick Patridge of Paramus and Toms River. NJ. Sharon in Clark, NJ, Patrick in Maine and Jimmy and Michael, both of Lyndhurst and her brother, Jim of Seattle, WA. Also survived by her three grandsons, Chris Patridge, Conner and Sean O'Brien. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service at 7:30PM on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 held at the Nazare Memorial Home, Inc., 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst. Memorial Visiting will be held at the funeral home Wednesday from 6-8PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested you make a donation in Ritanna's memory to the Chordoma Foundation at chordomafoundation.org