News and Events: Sister Rita Theresa

Sister Rita Theresa was not one of the founding members of our community, but she was a much loved addition to our family.  She transferred from another community and became a Sister of St. Joseph the Worker in mind and heart.

Sister Rita Theresa helping in the kitchen of Taylor Manor.

She was born in Pennsylvania in 1925, the only daughter of Dorsey Boyts and Mary Sweeny.  Sister's mother died when she was young and her father was unable to care for her and her two brothers.  So the children grew up in an orphanage.  Her father kept in touch with the children during their time there.  But Sister Rita Theresa said later in life that she used to dream of leaving the orphanage whenever she heard the sound of a train.

After leaving the orphanage, she went to school at Bellfield Trade School. When she completed her studies she worked at various jobs including a laundry service and a restaurant. She entered the Daughters of St. Rita and came to Kentucky with the community.  When she completed her religious training, she worked at Marydale Retreat Center and later at Taylor Manor Nursing Home.  She went back to school and obtained a nursing degree.

Sister Rita Theresa with Edena Krekeler and Besty Skindmore.

The Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker took over operating Taylor Manor in 1976 when the Daughters of St. Rita could no longer staff the nursing home.  Sister Rita Theresa opted to stay at Taylor Manor and join the Sisters of St. Joseph the Worker.  She transferred her vows in 1978.  She helped out where ever she could, working as a nurse, helping in the kitchen and working as the sacristan of the chapel.

She had a talent for making ceramics.  A benefactor gave her a kiln and she spend her free time making beautiful ceramic gifts for our benefactors.  She was also known for making home made fruit cake. Often she was called to go to our Motherhouse in Walton to help out with cooking for retreat and special celebrations.

She developed cancer in 1995.  She retired and became a resident of the nursing home she loved and called home.  She passed away in 1996 at the age of 71.