Rita Harms

Rita “Mimi” Marie Harms (nee Shyne), age 91 of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away January 23, 2024. Rita was born July 16, 1932, in Jersey City, NJ to the late Francis Xavier Shyne and Lucia Mattilda Shyne (nee Nasce) of Jersey City, NJ.

She was a graduate of St. Michaels High School in Jersey City, NJ and is a Veteran of the United States Army. Rita went on to become a Dental Benefits Administrator and was a Registered Dental Assistant. She became a Practice Manager and Consultant in the later years of her career. Rita was a devout Roman Catholic and was very dedicated to her faith. Rita was known as the “Queen” in her membership with the Red Hat Society. She was a frequent volunteer at the Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees, NJ, and donated regularly to the ASPCA, among other charities. Rita enjoyed traveling and saw many beautiful countries all over the world. She was very fond of taking cruises, going to the beach, and exploring foreign cultures. She was also a long-time member of the Haddon Fortnightly in Haddonfield, NJ. Rita was an avid reader, and specifically took pleasure in murder mysteries. She was an exceptional cook and was always “The Hostess with the Mostess.”

Rita was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Henry Harms; sister, Dolores Josephine Shyne; brother, Francis Thomas Shyne; and grandson, John Henry Harms.

Rita is survived by her son, Armand J. Harms and his wife, Carla Harms of Berlin, NJ; grandson, Justin Harms Sr., of Magnolia, NJ; granddaughters, Carly Harms of Magnolia, NJ and Jeannine Frazier of Cherry Hill, NJ. Rita also had 7 great-grandchildren. Rita had many friends from High School, countless colleagues throughout her dental career, and was well respected in her community. She will forever be adored for her beauty, sophistication, kind nature and love and passion for her family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM at St. Simon Stock Church, located at 178 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin, NJ 08009. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM at the church. Inurnment will follow at Locustwood Memorial Park in Cherry Hill, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Animal Welfare Association by clicking this link .