Rita P. (nee: LaPelosa) Guscott, 94, of Burlington Twp. passed peacefully on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at The Masonic Home of NJ in Burlington Twp.  She was born on February 14, 1926, in New Brunswick, and had been a resident of Highland Park for almost 60 years.  She was a retired Registered Nurse at St. Peter's Medical Center in New Brunswick.

She had formerly been a very active member of the All Saints Episcopal Church in Highland Park, for many years, serving along with her husband "Bud" in many capacities, he as a Deacon, and Treasurer and Rita served on the Altar Guild.  She was a dedicated member of both NAMI, (the National Association of the Mentally Ill) in New Brunswick, and the CCCP, (Concerned Citizens for Chronic Psychiatric Adults).  She was also a volunteer at the New Brunswick Soup Kitchen for many years.  Her positive outlook allowed her to see the good in everyone.

She was such a family person. The 10 LaPelosa girls were so close. They were a very close knit Italian family. The 10 sisters produced 28 cousins.

Rita was an amazing cook and always enjoyed searching out new recipes, cooking and serving up new delicious meals for her family. Her cooking was legendary and she was as generous with her meals as she was with her love.

One of her biggest hobbies or passions, was her beautiful English rock garden. Her flowers were always sure to draw attention on Magnolia St. in Highland Park, her home for almost 60 years. Her backyard garden came alive each spring owing to her loving care of each flower. Her welcoming home was a respite to all!

Being a Registered Nurse, community volunteer and humanitarian showed just how much she cared deeply about others and loved caring for them.

She was also an avid NY Yankees Baseball fan, and her husband "Bud" was an avid NY Mets Fan, which always made for a fun household rivalry.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Aldrich W. "Bud" Guscott, with whom she enjoyed a very loving and close relationship, until his death in 2011, and her 9 sisters.

Rita leaves behind, her three beloved sons: Douglas Guscott, of Highland Park; Dennis "Dan" Guscott and his wife, Josephine, of Pine Beach; and David Guscott and his fiance, Celina Straughn of Bensalem, PA; and her beloved daughter, Patricia Hess of Pennington; her 7 dear grandchildren: Jenna Hess Sutphin, Erik Hess, Jackie Guscott MacAllen, John, Matthew and Christopher Guscott; her 2 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.