Shirley Ann Rita, 77

Shirley Ann Rita passed away at the home of her youngest child, John George Rita, on April 4th, 2014 in Herndon, Virginia.

She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, William John Rita, who passed away on July 7th, 2013 at their home in Springfield, Virginia.

Shirley Ann Rita nee Smith was born in Coventry, Connecticut on April 9th, 1936. Shirley was the daughter of George K. Smith and Rita Smith nee Campo. She is survived by her four children and eight grandchildren: her daughter Debbie Fasick, husband Jerry, and son Jay, all residing in Springfield, VA; her son William J. Rita Jr., wife Ena and son William Fabrizio, residing in Tolland, CT and New York City, NY; her daughter Donna Goncharov, husband Peter and two sons Alex and Greg, residing in Montebello, NY; and her son John George Rita, wife Lisa, daughters Lexi and Sarah, and sons Hayden and Hudson, residing in Herndon, VA. 

Shirley graduated from Willimantic County High School in 1952 at the age of 16. She married Bill Rita in 1954 in Coventry, Connecticut. Shirley and Bill moved to Northern Virginia in 1960.

Shirley was a devoted mother, wife and peacemaker. She was a traditional woman with an independent streak. She loved children and spent, off and on, some 30 plus years in the front office at Keene Mill Elementary School in Springfield where all four of her children attended. She greeted new students and parents and all who entered Keene Mill with kindness, warmth and genuine goodwill. 

Shirley enjoyed sporting events and travel with her husband. Together they visited all 50 states, as well as many different countries. Her allegiance to the Penn State Nittany Lions and in particular "JoePa's" football team was unparalleled. Shirley and Bill's weekend house in State College was a go to place on football weekends.

Shirley is deeply missed and is loved by all of her friends, family and most everyone who had the privilege to know her.

The family will receive visitors at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA between 2-4 pm and 6-8pm on Tuesday, April 8th. A funeral mass will be held at Saint Bernadette's Roman Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, Va. on Wednesday, April 9 (Shirley's birthday) at 12NOON. After the mass, friends are invited to Monty's Steakhouse, 8426 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22152 for a Celebration of her life. Shirley will be buried with her husband at Quantico National Cemetery at a private ceremony on Thursday, April 10th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org. Visit www.fmfh for more information. - See more at: http://www.fairfaxmemorialfuneralhome.com/obituary/Shirley-Ann-Rita/Springfield-VA/1370780#sthash.8K...