Rita Joan Gerwig

Rita Gerwig, age 96, passed away on July 14th, carried by the love and compassion of her family and friends near and far.

Born on November 28, 1929, Rita grew up in Bayonne, New Jersey. She later moved to Buffalo, New York, where she raised her children and became an enthusiastic, lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills football team. In her retirement, she enjoyed her years living in Norwell, Massachusetts.

Her family was her true passion in life. Rita was also a woman of many talents and interests. She was an avid reader, a skilled knitter, and an enthusiastic crafter. Music brought great joy to her life, and she always looked forward to enjoying a good lobster meal. Her authentic heart and spirited energy will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Paul Gerwig; her two brothers, William Lojewski and Richard Lojewski; and her nephew, Michael Lojewski.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Melanie and Danny Griffin, Susan and Mark Hambly, and Scott and Stacie Gerwig. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Lojewski; her five cherished grandchildren, Robert Griffin, Danielle Griffin Birkenfeld and her husband Ben Birkenfeld, Corey Hambly, Clancy Gerwig, and Mason Gerwig; and her beloved great-grandchild, Ellie Birkenfeld. Rita is additionally survived by her niece, Marci Lojewski, and her nephew, Billy Lojewski.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, Scituate, Massachusetts.

The family would appreciate a donation made in Rita's memory to the Creative Arts therapy program at South Shore Conservatory or flowers.

Donations by check can be sent directly to the Hingham campus: South Shore Conservatory One Conservatory Drive Hingham, MA 02143 (Please write Rita's name and "Creative Arts Therapies" in the memo line)

Donations can also be made online at www.sscmusic.org by selecting "Programs" at the top of the main landing page, choosing "Creative Arts Therapies," and clicking the "Donate to CAT" button.