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Rita Tsopas Obituary
Rita's proudest accomplishment was creating a home filled with love, joy and laughter with her husband Stephen. Together with sons David, Scott, Michael and Matthew, Rita and Steve welcomed generations of family and friends.
Rita worked from home as a bookkeeper for many years and, after her boys were grown, worked as a secretary in the office of Dover High School until retirement.
Rita will be sadly missed and yet remembered with love and laughter by sons Scott of Cambridge, Mass., Michael and partner Gary McGarghan of Dover, Matthew of Dover, daughter-in-law Kim Leighton of Barrington, beloved granddaughter Teyle Tsopas of Dover, sisters Patricia Koch of Fairfax, Va., Jeanne Mariotti of Acton, Maine and Denise Durand of Dover and brother-in-law Nick Tsopas of Dover, plus dozens of nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Steve and son David, her sister Lucille Durand, sisters-in-law Frances Mitchell and Elaine Tsopas.
The Tsopas Family wishes to thank John Hopkins and the entire staff at Bellamy Fields Assisted Living for providing a safe, caring environment for Rita for the past 14 months. A special thanks to the "cruise director" and "the whoopie pie thief." For the attention, love and care you gave our mother, we will be forever grateful. There are no words to describe the difference that the Bellamy Fields team made in Rita's life. Their hospitality and personal care provided Rita with dignity, support and laughter, allowing her to continue living her life while navigating the difficulties of dementia.
SERVICES: Visiting will be Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Tasker Funeral Home 621 Central Ave., Dover. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 93 Locust St., Dover. Burial will follow in the Annunciation Cemetery, Dover.
Please go to www.taskerfh.com to sign the online guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Tsopas
Peter Strangas
December 27, 2018
Dear Mike and family: I was thumbing through the church bulletin the other day and was stunned and saddened to see the announcement of your mom's passing. I knew her well from church, and from when I roamed the halls of Dover High; what a sweet lady. She always had a pleasant word to offer. Of course mom also knew Rita from church, where they were in the choir together for years. Mom spoke of Rita fondly several times over the decades, and held her in high regard. Mom passed away on December 3rd of this year, after a 7 month illness; she didn't know about your mom's passing. What a surprise she must have gotten when she passed through the pearly gates and saw your mother. I hope they are both part of the choir in heaven; along with Sylvia P. May all their memories be eternal.
Michael
November 19, 2018
Love and miss you so much!
James Njue
November 13, 2018
One of the kindest, most loving person I've ever met. God bless the family.
Doug Pelczar
November 9, 2018
Dear Scott, Mike, Matt, & all of the Tsopas Family
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss.
Doug Pelczar & Patrick Hoffmann
November 9, 2018
Cornerstone VNA sends our deepest sympathy on your loss.
marie Boudreau
November 8, 2018
Mike and Family, So sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one. She was such a wonderful lady. She will be missed dearly. You all have so many great memories that you will hold close to your heart. She will watch over you all as you move forward on in your life.
Robin Murray
November 8, 2018
Michael and family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. I never had the pleasure of meeting her but know she raised a great son "Michael" as he is the only one in the family I know. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Niki Moutevelis
November 8, 2018
Mike and family, So sorry to hear about your Moms passing. Rita was a special lady in so many ways! May her memory be eternal
Jack and Linda Vatistas Rodden
November 8, 2018
Scott, Mike and Matt, I was so saddened to here that your mom had passed away. She was a kind, caring lady and I'm sure she will be missed. May you hold all your memories close to your heart and may they sustain you in days to come.
Karen Kenney
November 7, 2018
Scott, Mike and Matt - I am so very, very sorry to have just learned of Ritas passing. She was a true angel living among us and Im forever grateful for the immeasurable ways she enriched my life. So many fond memories I hold dear to my heart. Her door was always open and whenever you walked through it, somehow life felt sweeter. Even as the years passed, whenever Id see your mom, it was like being home. I loved her very much.
Each of you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sweet Reet will always be with you.... much love to you all.
John Carver
November 7, 2018
So sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs. Tsopas. She was a sweet woman and so caring. My prayers are with the family.
Dave Burt
November 7, 2018
Mike, Scott, Matt, Teyle & Kim,
Rita "Sweet Reet" was so proud of you all and loved you so very much. She and Steve raised an amazing family full of love, laughter and happiness. That was felt by anyone who walked through your door on Redden Street Ext. And the love she had for her sisters was immeasurable.
My heart is with all of you at this time.
Like my own mother, Rita installed values of love, family and friendship throughout my life. I admire this woman so much for all she endured in her days on earth but always came out with a smile and a laugh. She was a great listener and always told it like it was. I will miss our talks.
Thanks for all you to gave me and everyone you met along your journey.
Rest In Peace Rita.
Betty Turgeon
November 6, 2018
Sincere sympathy to Rita's family.
Betty
Leslie Gubellini
November 5, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the family from the Gubellini home. With love to Mike and his family. She will be sorely missed by many.
Gina Fortier-deRochemont
November 5, 2018
Scott, Mike and Matthew. My deepest and most sincere condolances on the loss of your mother. She was and will always be one of the few and kindest souls to ever grace this earth. I will forever cherish the fond memories of her during our childhood. She gave many gifts to this world in you boys and made it a better place. I pray you are dancing Mrs Tsopas. Rejoice in peace.
Zoe Polychronopoulos
November 5, 2018
Dear Scott, Mike and Matt,
I feel blessed to have had Rita be a part of my life for so many years. The friendship she shared with my family was a true gift. She will be missed. Memories of your mother will always bring a smile to my face. My sympathy goes out to you during this sad time. May her memory be eternal.
Love
Zoe
Paul and Lorrie Gasses
November 5, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
cheryl and Shawn
November 5, 2018
Mike and Family
So sorry to hear the passing of your mother our thoughts and prayers are with you
Darcy Moulton
November 5, 2018
I helped out in the office at DHS. She was a pleasure to be in the company of. She will be forever missed.
Penny Baker
November 5, 2018
To Scott, Mike, Matt, Kim, Teyle and the rest of Rita's family - I am so glad I got the opportunity to see Rita recently. She has always been such a special friend and spending time with her brought back so many happy and loving memories! Her family was her LIFE! She loved each of you so, so much. Remembering our DHS days that were filled with so much fun and laughter!! She was such an awesome woman! The world is so much better for having had her be a part of it!! My deepest condolences for the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you as you go through this very difficult time!
Valerie Moreau
November 5, 2018
Dear Rita, Your strength, humor and love of life and family always inspired me. May you rest easy with Dave and Steve. Teyle, Mike, Scott, Matt and Kim, sweet hugs to you all.
Lynn Gage
November 5, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Mrs. Tsopas was a very sweet lady. The Tsopas family is in my thoughts.
November 5, 2018
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends
Denice Albert
November 4, 2018
Mike and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was a wonderful lady who raised wonderful sons. You are in my thoughts.
Susan & Duane Marland
November 4, 2018
What a lovely lady. Thinking of all of you.
Cyndi & Greg Budahn
November 4, 2018
What great memories this picture brings back of backyard Greek cookouts at the Tsopas house! Rest In Peace sweet Rita. You will be greatly missed. Keep an eye out from above and we'll take care to watch out for your boys from here. Keeping you all close to our hearts.
Helen & Ray Gagnon/Bardwell
November 4, 2018
I and we will remember Rita and the Tspoas family for the rest of our lives. I was in high school with Rita and then of course there is Roger's for eats and fun. Ray came along later and together found Rita a great friend and always a smile for any time we saw her. Rita loved her family and will be missed by us. Be at rest.
Dennis and Celeste Bentley
November 4, 2018
Rito was a wonderful human being. So sorry for your loss.
Tony Chamberlain
November 4, 2018
Jeanne, My condolences in the loss of your sister.
Jim & Meg Lark
November 4, 2018
Deepest condolences to all Rita's many family and friends. Even knowing her for the short time we did, we could see what a wonderful person she was, and our prayers are with all of you at the enormity of her loss. May her memory be eternal!
Scott Kelley
November 3, 2018
I will forever remember time spent at the Tspoas family home growing up. It was a place where you just felt like a part of the family and Mrs Tsopas or 'Sweet Reet' as we called her was a big part of that. Such a kind woman with such a wonderful attitude. The world was a brighter place for all of us who knew you and your family. You will be remembered forever. My sympathies to Scott, Mike and Matt. She's been reunited with David and Mr Tsopas and I'm sure looking down lovingly at you all as well as Kim and her granddaughter. I wish you all the peace in knowing that's she's at rest and is now reunited with those that have gone before her.
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