Rita J. Bourguignon

Bourguignon, Rita Johanna, 90 of New Gretna, passed away Friday, April 5 2024.  She was born in Jersey City, NJ on Aug 9, 1933 and resided there until moving to Warren Grove at the age of 3, with her parents Charles and Bertha Sharpe, siblings and beloved Uncle Buster.  Rita’s love of animals started at an early age living on the farm in Warren Grove with her family, then as an adult, her love of horses and teens brought her to becoming a long-standing, respected leader for Ocean County 4-H, specifically the Jeans and Jodphers 4-H Horse Club. Rita became a local expert on horse care, riding and training. On the farm in New Gretna, The 5 R Acres, Rita, bred, raised, broke, trained and showed many quarter horses.  She was very proud to tell people that at the age of 75, she broke and trained her final horse. Rita also spent time at the New Gretna House as hostess and salad maker for their famous salad bar. Rita was very active in the Burlington County Cert Team and the New Gretna Mounted Search and Rescue Team. Rita and Bob were founding members of the Pomona Golf Course Couples League.  Most recently, Rita joined the Charles A. Hammel American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28 in Absecon NJ where she served as Chaplain and became the Shuffle Board Queen on Social Nights. Rita was predeceased by her daughter RoseFaith (Bourguignon) Robinson, son Richard Thomas Bourguignon and husband of 68 years Robert Thomas Bourguignon. She is survived by her daughter Robin Sedlak and son in-law Kevin of New Gretna, NJ, grandchildren Kelsie Grover, William and Andrew Sedlak, along with many loved nieces and nephews, neighbors and friends whom she loved as her own.  Visitation will be Thursday, April 11th from 7-9pm and Friday April 12th from 10am-12pm at Wood Funeral Home, 134 East Main Street, Tuckerton NJ, followed by a brief time graveside at Miller Cemetery in New Gretna, NJ.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her name to Popcorn Park Zoo, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 28, Absecon, or charity of your choice.  

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