By Nicole Falco
Though she moved from Valley Stream - first to Rhode Island, then to Greenfield, Indiana - more than a decade ago, Schneider kept close ties to friends still living in New York, including many of her fellow alumni. She was an active member of the Central High School Alumni Association, even attending a reunion after moving to Indiana. Her class was the first class to graduate when the school moved to Fletcher Avenue in 1929.
She married the late Vendel Schneider in 1937. Vendel was also a Central grad. A former chief of the Valley Stream Fire Department, Vendel owned and operated The Gateway, a bar and restaurant on Sunrise Highway. He was featured in an article in the Valley Stream Mail Leader.
Rita Schneider worked as a secretary in Village Hall during the 1930s until the birth of her only child, Meryl. Later, during the 1960s through '70s, Schneider worked as a secretary and dietician in School District 24. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the fire department, a "staunch Republican," and parishioner of Holy Name of Mary Church.
Up until the fall that eventually led to her death, Schneider remained active. An "independent" woman, she lived alone and liked it that way. According to Meryl Suhr, "I enjoy my own company" was one of her mother's favorite expressions.
Schneider had "every intention" of coming home from the hospital, probably to get back to volunteering at the Hancock County Humane Society where she worked with animals several times a week. She also enjoyed traveling.
Schneider is survived by her daughter, Meryl, and son-in-law, Robert, both of Greenfield, Indiana. She is also survived by three granddaughters, Kerri, Kelly and Kimberly McKay, as well as Kimberly's husband, Joel. She will also be missed by her cat, Corky.
