Rita E. Broderick, 93, of Fremont, Nebraska, formerly of Seneca, Kansas, died Friday, November 16, 2012 at a nursing home in Fremont.

Rita Eileen Koehler Broderick was born on July 28, 1919, in Seneca, Kansas to John and Helen Heideman Koehler. As the eldest daughter growing up on the Koehler farm, she learned the value of hard work, love of family and a life guided by her Catholic faith. She attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School in Seneca, graduating as salutatorian, and went on to earn her nursing degree from St. Margaret’s Hospital in Kansas City.

While working as a registered nurse in Kansas City, her sister Esther introduced Rita to Gerald Broderick. “We fell in love the moment we met,” she would later say. The couple married on January 6, 1942.

Gerald’s career as a pharmacist took them to Texas, where they lived in San Antonio, Victoria and Corpus Christi. Three children were born to the couple, Mary Lynne, Helen Kay (Katy) and Thomas Edward. While living in Corpus Christi, her husband Gerald died unexpectedly in 1975.

Rita worked as an RN in a variety of medical fields, but felt her most rewarding experience was as a public health nurse, for the State of Texas, a career she retired from in 1983. Following retirement, Rita returned to her home town of Seneca to be close to family.

Rita devoutly practiced her Catholic faith as exemplified by her devotion to the Mass, the Rosary, and Eucharistic Adoration. She was an active member of each parish with which she was associated. She was most proud of her work as a volunteer at Sts. Peter & Paul Mission Center, instructor of CCD religious education, and Eucharistic Minister. Throughout her life, Rita had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. A highlight of her life was a visit to Medjugorje, the site of the apparitions of Mary Queen of Peace.

Rita was a skilled oil painter and enjoyed gardening, reading, playing bridge, crocheting and visiting with her family. In her later years, Rita was affectionately called “Great” by the great-grandchildren who loved visiting her, since “Great” always had some treat to share. Beloved by her brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, “Great” will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

Rita was preceded in death by her cherished husband Gerald and her greatly loved brother Col. Leonard Koehler.

Surviving her are sisters Esther Proffitt of Seneca, Mary Helen Lear of Hiawatha and Barbara Buckley if Prairie Village, Kansas; brothers Jim Koehler of Seneca, Abbot Ralph Koehler, OSB of Atchison, and Ron Koehler of Kansas City, Missouri; her children, Lynne Hamele of Omaha, Nebraska, Katy and husband Ken McElroy of Austin, Texas and Tom and wife Debra Broderick of Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Monday, November 19, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM Tuesday, November 20, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. Burial will be in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Seneca.

In lieu of flowers, Rita requested that donations be made to the Mission Center, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 411 Pioneer St., Seneca, Kansas 66538, or to the charity of your choice.