Rita Lavine Schlom

Rita Lavine Schlom passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on September 13, 1930, in Trenton, New Jersey, she was the beloved daughter of the late Albert and Betty Lavine. 

Rita attended Trenton Central High School. Her lifelong passion for education led her to Trenton State Teachers College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in English and History. She continued her graduate studies at Boston University and Bloomsburg University, further enriching her love for learning and teaching.

Her love for the arts was evident early on, performing in Summer Stock at Prescilla Beach, Massachusetts, and Cape May, New Jersey. She began her teaching career in 1953 in Carlsbad, New Mexico, later returning to the Hamilton School District in Trenton. After marrying Max Schlom (Alegant) in 1956, she continued inspiring young minds as an educator in the Neshaminy School District in Pennsylvania, before returning to Hamilton, where she retired in 1999.

Beyond the classroom, Rita’s love for the arts extended to directing Parent-Faculty shows at Neshaminy High and sharing her gift of music by playing piano at Dolce Carini Restaurant in Newtown, Pennsylvania for over 20 years. Family, music, and books were at the heart of her world, shaping the warmth and wisdom she brought to everyone she encountered.

Rita is survived by her loving sons, Brian Alegant and his wife, Marci, and Blair Alegant and his wife, Kimberly. She was a devoted grandmother to Jordan and his wife, Brittney, Natalie, and Kassandra, and a cherished great-grandmother to Mia, Faye, and Milo.

A memorial service in her honor will be held at Joseph Levine and Sons, 4737 Street Road in Trevose, at 2:00 PM on June 17, 2025. Shiva will be observed immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any charity benefiting children or Greenwood House in Ewing, New Jersey (www.greenwoodhouse.org).

Rita’s kindness, creativity, and dedication to education will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May her memory be a blessing.

Arrangements by Joseph Levine & Sons - Trevose, PA - www.levinefuneral.com