Rita Marie Cooke, of Hazlet, passed away peacefully May 29, 2026.
Born to Peter and Mary Belli, Rita was raised in Clifton. She attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Passaic and dedicated her career to caring for others as a registered nurse until her retirement.
On Sept. 14, 1957, Rita married the love of her life, Arthur Cooke. Together they built a life in Lodi where she lived for many years before moving to Hazlet in 2020.
Rita is survived by her brothers Roger Belli and John (Nancy) Belli; her four children, James (Karen), Mary (Matt Clarke), Suzanne (Eric Littenberg), and Steven (Dana); and her cherished grandchildren, Kelsey Haines (Blake Hall), Erin Motus (Matt), Brian Schmeer (Maria Ronan), and Connor and Karen Cooke’s grandchildren Madi and Desi. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends and took special pride in her grandchildren.
Rita will be remembered for her warmth, kindness and the joy she brought to all who knew her. She was well known for her crocheting, her deep love of the New York Yankees, and her enjoyment of a glass of white zinfandel.
She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and all whose lives she touched.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, June 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 3269 State Highway/ Route 35 North, Hazlet. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Friday, June 5 at Saint Benedict Roman Catholic Church, Holmdel. In respect of Rita’s wishes, she will be privately cremated. For more information, directions or to send condolences to the family, please visit shorepointfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, stjude.org or to a charity close to your heart.
The article originally appeared in the June 4 – 10, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
