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Rita Bendixen Obituary
Santa Fe, NM: Rita left this world on the 7th of July, 2008. She left us with memories of love, compassion, joy and beauty, laughter and great courage. She is survived by her beloved husband Eric Bendixen; her mother, Sarah Spaine Spencer; and her brothers, Robert Spencer and Thomas Spencer.
Rita was born the 17th of May, 1952, in Conesus, NY, attended Alfred State College of Nursing, and spent her life as a nurse comforting and helping others. She had been a resident of New Mexico since 1982, living in Albuquerque, Corrales, and Santa Fe. Her love and magnetism for animals was well known as was her willingness to help friends and strangers alike.
"It is very important to constantly familiarize our thoughts and emotions with the idea of death so that it does not arrive as something completely unexpected. We need to accept death as part of our lives. This kind of attitude is much healthier than simply trying not to think or talk about death"
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Arrangements under the direction of:
Berardinelli Family Funeral Service
1399 Luisa Street
Santa Fe, NM 87505
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Memories and Condolences
for Rita Bendixen
5 Entries
Jim, Nellie (and Chris) Gugleta
July 14, 2008
Eric,
We think back to our visits to the casita and to when you were in town a couple of months ago, and it's hard to imagine that we won't see Rita again for a while. We can't fully tell you how sorry we are for your loss, but we can tell you that all three of us will join you in missing her, and that you and everyone who feels her absence are in our prayers. We're glad that she's now free from any pain or illness, and we hope and pray that over time the pain of her absence will fade. Peace be with you.
Carol Terry
July 14, 2008
Rita was our free spirit....always. As Bonnie said, we would play and dream together while growing up when we were all at the farm together. Even in our last phone conversation, we were dreaming of the next time we would be together and all the adventures we would have. To our next adventure.... Huge hugs... "Cousin Carol"
Bonnie Loy
July 14, 2008
My memories of Rita are those from a lifetime. I am one of Rita's Spencer cousins and I remiember palying on the farm as a child with Rita and Carol (another cousin). I remember our discussions of what we would be when we grow up...We sure had some interesting ideas. Rita will be missed by all. Eric, I am so very sorry for your loss..With Loving Sympathy. Bonnie Spencer Loy
Paul Kevin Dix
July 13, 2008
To Eric and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you Eric along with your family and the Spencer Family. Always remember Eric that Rita is with you in spirit, a breeze, a blooming flower or a memory. May you find strenght in her love for life and what she brought to all that knew her.
God Bless,
Paul Kevin
Karen Meador
July 13, 2008
Thinking of Rita this morning - both all she celebrated and all she suffered and again all her laughter and rejoicing. The poet Mary Oliver, her partner's passing, her delight in dogs and in rejoicing. She said, "My work is loving the world.
...
telling them all, over and over, how it is
that we live forever."
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