HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Rita Evelyn Appel, 85, an area resident for four years and formerly of the Bronx, died on January 2, 2023 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.

Born in New York City on August 22, 1937, she was the daughter of Michael and Ruth (Reiner) Rothstein. Rita had been employed as a complaint's investigator for the Taxi and Limousine Commission. She loved to play poker.

Rita is survived by her children and their spouses, Ilene and Nick Lacerra, and Michael and Mila Appel; her grandchildren, William Powell, Kristin Appel, Denise Cullen, Robert Lacerra, Lauren Appel, Brenda Lacerra, Alanna Appel and Mikayla Appel; her great-grandchildren, Ashley, Austin, Arianna and Alessandra Cullen, William Powell Jr., Riley and Theodore Monahan, Bentley, Bradley and Brody Powell, and Brielle Lacerra; and her sister, Gloria Kaufman.

There will be no services at this time. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.