Maria Ceu Rita

Maria do Cue Rita, 97 years of age, passed away on Friday August 27, 2021 in her home
surrounded by family.
Maria was born May 7, 1924 in Corvo, Acores to the late Antonio and Etelvina Rodrigues. She
was the one of seven children (Maria Julia Rodrigues, Inez Pimentel, Joe Rodrigues, Julia Avelar and Braz Rodrigues) who preceded her in death. Maria was educated in the Acores and learned valuable life skills at an early age which she embodied before immigrating to the United States in 1956.
Maria was married to the late Raulino L. Rita who proceeded her in death along with their son John D. Rita. Maria professed her life to Jesus Christ at an early age. The family moved to Tracy, CA in 1962 and she had been an active parishioner of Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church. She loved working in the church and cherished praising the lord. Serving on several committees, always enjoying helping others, both her and her husband served as a President for IPFES in 1970, as well as Our Lady of Fatima of Antioch in 1993. She was the current President of the Brotherhood of St. Anthony Tracy council and was an active member of the following societies, PFSA council of Tracy, SPRSI and while participating and volunteering to help the less fortunate. She worked for the H.J. Heinz in Tracy, CA until she retired in 1986.
Maria loved to read her bible, praying for and with other bible study group members, spending time with family and friends, constantly laughing and greeting everyone with her infectious smile. She was a very loving and caring person, devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, God mother and friend. Maria was constantly praying and thinking of other people first. She possessed such a strong spirit which allowed her to endure life’s unforeseen events. However, to know Maria was to love her.
Maria is survived by her loving sister Giraldina Mendonca of Tracy along with nieces and nephews Mary Al-Sheikh (Aziz)-San Jose, Joao D. Rodrigues (Gina)-Corvo, Acores, Elsa Ramirez-Antioch, Vina Parsons-Tracy and Joey Rodriguez (Tish)-Antioch. As well as 11 great nieces and nephews and 12 great-great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 S. Central Ave., Tracy, CA beginning at 4 p.m. on Tuesday Sep. 14th. rosary to follow at 6 p.m. Funeral mass will be on Wednesday Sept. 15th. At 11:00 am at St. Bernard’s Church, 163 Eaton Ave., Tracy, CA.

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