Rita Bermel Terhorst

Rita Bermel Terhorst, 99, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, in Athens, Georgia. Born in Buffalo, New York to her parents Paul and Magdelena Bermel, she lived a long and wonderful life of kindness, hard work, faith, and a deep devotion to her family.  

The beloved wife of James Terhorst (d. 2007) and mother of four, Rita worked as a homemaker, secretary, marketing coordinator, and business partner alongside her husband. She survived polio. She was known as a great cook, a tireless worker, and a loving family matriarch who welcomed everyone with warmth and respect. She had a great sense of humor. She loved dark chocolate and ice cream. Her meatloaf was the best. She was so much more than can be expressed here.

A devoted Roman Catholic and lifelong learner, Rita enjoyed traveling and learning about the world but also treasured time spent with her family. She is survived by her daughter Elaine; her sons, Thomas (wife Susan) and James (wife Nancy); nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Marie (d. 1986) and is also survived by Marie’s husband, John, and his wife, Patricia.

She will always be loved and remembered by her family and all who knew her. 

A visitation will be held from 3-5 PM on Wednesday, January 21 at Glick Family Funeral Home in Boca Raton where a Wake Service will begin at 4:00PM.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 22 at St. Therese Catholic Church in Wellington.  Interment will follow at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita Bermel Terhorst, please visit our floral store.