Rita Marie Ziegler

Rita Marie Ziegler, 95, of West Caldwell, NJ passed away at her home on September 9th, 2026 with her daughter Amy at her side. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, and she will be missed.

Born in Lynn, MA to Theresa and Walter McAuliffe on May 8, 1931, Rita was raised and attended schools in Bloomfield and Montclair, NJ. Rita was a very independent woman for her time. She had a keen intellect and attended Boston University; an era when women in college were not the norm. She graduated in 1952 with a BS in Journalism and moved to New London, CT where she worked at the local newspaper. Subsequently she went home to Glen Ridge, NJ and continued her profession at The Glen Ridge Paper. She married William Lee Ziegler of Bloomfield NJ in January 1956.

In addition to raising four children, Rita had many interests and hobbies. She was an avid bridge player, attaining ACBL Life Master status as well as being a director for local ACBL Bridge Clubs. She enjoyed tennis and swimming year round. Her intellectual interests included tackling and completing the Sunday NY Times crossword puzzle, which she fit in between the varied and numerous books she read. Rita traveled widely her entire life and enjoyed different cultures and countries.

Rita is survived by her four children - Amy Kovach (the late Michael), Mary O’Malley (James), Thomas Ziegler (Lisa) and Walter Ziegler (Mary) as well as her sister Joan Lapolla. She was blessed with eight grandchildren – Michael John Kovach Jr. (Jamie), William Kovach (Nicole) and Christopher Kovach, Allison O’Malley and Caitlin O’Malley (Cole), Walter Lee Ziegler Jr., Thomas John Ziegler II and Robert Henry Ziegler. In the last several years Rita was fortunate to welcome four great grandchildren into the family – Mary Kovach, Anneliese Kovach and Michael John Kovach III (children of Michael and Jamie Kovach) and the newest, Caralyn (William and Nicole Kovach).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.