Rita Lomas Celebrates 100th Birthday

CREST HAVEN – Rita Lomas grew up and lived in West Philly most of her life.
Born in 1920, she was a child during the “Roaring ’20s”, a teen during the nation’s economic downturn in the 1930s, a young wife and mother in the war-torn 1940s and lived through decades of American history. When asked for her favorite time period, she replied, “All of them.”
That attitude is what has prolonged her life, she said, along with a glass of wine every evening.
“A glass of wine every night and always help others. Those are the keys to a long life,” Lomas said.
According to friends and family, that’s exactly how she’s lived her life. They gathered in a room full of Lomas’ fellow Crest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center residents for a birthday celebration and a plaque presentation from Cape May County Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson Jan. 30.
Thomas Hargest, of Court House, a nephew who lost touch with Lomas for a few years until she moved to the area to live with one of her three sons, remembers spending a lot of time at his aunt’s home as a child.
“She is a fantastic cook. Rita always took care of everybody. Her home was always open. She is a giver,” said Hargest, who brings food to Lomas every Sunday.
Hargest enjoyed the party, laughing and talking with guests and enjoying the music of entertainer Johnny Tocco.
“He gets his spark for life from her,” Hargest’s wife, Dotty, observed.
That “spark” has been evident throughout her life, as Lomas described her family of eight sisters and two brothers.
“My sisters and I always stuck together, and our mother and father would play games with all the kids. We had a very happy childhood. We got dressed up every Sunday and went to church,” said Lomas. She reads her Bible and prays every day.
Close to high school graduation, Lomas said she realized she wanted to be a hairdresser. She left high school for beauty school, and achieved her dream.
“I loved my work,” she added, and apparently, she was quite good at it. Her cousin, Sister Roberta Rubertucci, of Sea Isle City, confirmed it.
“She was a wonderful hairdresser and a good cook. She had to be, with three boys to feed,” said Rubertucci.
Lomas married in 1946, and had three sons (who served in the military) to take care of while she continued her profession.
Her son, Joseph Lomas, of Court House, said his mother took care of them for a time as a single parent.
“It’s hard to describe what a beautiful woman she is. She always took care of us. She worked two jobs, so we could go to private, Catholic school and get a good education. She did everything for her children,” Lomas said, as tears welled up in his eyes.
Gail Beaver, recreation director, Crest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center, said Lomas is very active and likes to spend time outside.
“If the sun is out, she wants to be out in the garden, working in the flower garden. She is always positive,” Beaver said.
Lomas, who is the sole survivor of her siblings, said life is good, and she likes being at Crest Haven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.
“The people here treat me so good. I’ve made this my home,” she said with a wide smile, displaying her famous positive attitude.
To contact Carl Price, email cprice@cmcherald.com.