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Rita Nicholas Obituary
Rita Elizabeth (Riley) Nicholas, 71, a lifelong resident of Ithaca, NY, died at the Cayuga Medical Center on Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Rita was born in Ithaca, NY on August 27th, 1944, to Anne Smith Riley and Albert John Riley, the baby sister to Patricia Robertson of Saratoga Springs, NY, and Carol Riggs (Ralph) of Lake Oswego, OR. She was an Ithaca High School graduate, class of 1962. Rita married George (Butch) Nicholas in May 13, 1966. Rita was predeceased by her husband of 50 years George (Butch) and her mother and father. Surviving family members include her loving and devoted daughters, Julie Nicholas of Rochester, N.Y. and Susie Miller (Daniel) of Ithaca; her grandchildren, Nicholas and Lauren, her two sisters, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Rita was an avid follower of her grandson Nicholas' sporting events and would not miss her granddaughter's dance performances and competitions. Rita was the special Mom/Teta/Aunt for all kids to drop by and get their favorite snacks and where the kids all went to do their "homework". Rita's first job in high school was as a lifeguard at Stewart Park and then worked at the Ithaca Youth Bureau and then she continued and finished her career of 23 years as a legal secretary for Paul Tavelli. In her retirement she spent time volunteering at the Immaculate Conception school in the library, Elks Ladies Auxiliary for 22 years, and as the high school class reunion coordinator. Rita will be remembered for her deep love of family and friends. Her younger years were filled playing softball, bowling and always being an amazing mother and friend. Calling hours will be at Bangs Funeral home Friday, May 13, 2016 from 4-6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Church, Saturday, May 14th at 9 am, followed by a graveside service at Calvary Cemetery. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception School for a Scholarship fund in Rita's memory.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rita Nicholas
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
Terry Jordan
May 23, 2016
I am so sorry about the loss of your Mom. Your Mom was a very nice, thoughtful and fun person. I enjoyed our time together during softball season. Remember the good times and cherish those memories forever. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jean Fuchs Rainer
May 23, 2016
I remember Rita in high school and she was such a nice person. I was shocked to hear of her death and send my deep condolences to her family. Rita, may you rest in peace amen.
Fred Schnitzer
May 20, 2016
Rita was always lively, thoughtful and had a smile for everyone back in those high school days. She was fun and never traveled alone; there was always laughter wherever you found her. We will all miss you Rita, and all that you have done for our class of '62 and those lucky enough to have been in your life. Rest in Peace dear lady.
May 18, 2016
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a nice lady. Lisa (Lisdell) LaDieu and family.
Lee Wood
May 16, 2016
My condolences to Julie, Susie and the rest of the family. Rest in Peace, Rita. Always looked forward to your Meat Pies and a Pepsi whenever you and Butch had our family over on Christmas Eve!
Shirley Bennett Baker
May 16, 2016
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. I graduated from School with Rita and knew her better in later years. She was always a joy to be around. May she RIP
Dewey Dawson
May 15, 2016
Julie and Suzie sorry for your loss. Remembering all the fun and funny times during all our County Ambulance days. Sorry to have missed calling hours, may she rest in peace.
Gay Huddle
May 14, 2016
I first met Rita when I was a senior at IHS in 1966. I worked part-time for Bob Cutia of the Ithaca Youth Bureau. From that time on she has always been sweet and friendly and funny whenever I saw her. She was just a lovely person. I am so sorry for your loss and know that Rita is going to be sorely missed.
Sincerely,
JoAnn Bowers
May 14, 2016
Rita was such a sweet person and I always enjoyed seeing her. She always saw the good in others and she loved her family. She will surely be missed.
Mike Kaplan
May 13, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I am so sorry that she has passed and wish her family my sincere condolences. Mickey Kaplan
Debbie Whipple-McCarthy
May 13, 2016
Julie and Susie,
My thoughts are with you. Your mom was a great person and the best neighbor ever. Knowing her my whole life, she always had a great sense of humor and we all shared many laughs. She will be missed by many.
May 13, 2016
Rita was a valued neighbor who always had a wave and smile. She will be missed as she was the only remaining neighbor from when we moved here. Our deepest sympathy for her family.
Bill and Joan Murphy
Ed & Connie Amici
May 13, 2016
Susie, Julie & family, So very sorry to hear of Rita's passing. She was a wonderful lady. Had a lot of fun with her at the Elks. She would always ask Eddie if he had any good jokes. Please accept our deepest condolences. RIP Rita
Eddie & Connie
Peggy Smith
May 13, 2016
I love you Rita. Your family misses you. You were first my cousin then became my great friend. Happy Anniversary to you and Butch. Hugs and kisses.
May 13, 2016
Rita was a special gal and classmate! She will be missed by lots of folks. My thoughts and prayers are with all her family.
Lynn Fulkerson Haak
Janet Frand
May 13, 2016
Julie and Susie, I am so sorry for your loss. Rita was a special lady.
Margie James Perna
May 13, 2016
Rita will surely be missed by all. A sweet, gentle soul and always fun to be around. Sincere Sympathy to the Family. God Bless Rita.
Emily Richardson
May 13, 2016
RIP Rita. Prayers to the family.
Jack Shelton
May 13, 2016
What a great classmate and friend Rita was to us all. She did so much for us and we are thankful for it. We will never let her be forgotten, through out daily prayers for her. Jack&Jan Shelton.
Butch Wyllie
May 13, 2016
My condolences to Ritas family. What a great person. I was lucky to be a long time friend. RIP Rita.
Pamela Hines
May 13, 2016
Julie and Susie and all of Rita's family, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Rest in peace Rita.
Paula (Hart) Nelson
May 13, 2016
Julie and Susie - Rita and I attended school together during the "wonderful" years. I remember Rita at the youth center "dancing the night away". What a wonderful legacy she has left you girls.
Prayers for strength and peace to you.
Barbara Mix-Kone
May 13, 2016
Rita was a "one-of-a-kind" person and treasured friend to many. She will be missed.
Laura Lower
May 13, 2016
Susie & Julie and Family we am so sorry for your loss and we pray your beautiful memories of your mother will help you heal in time. She was always such a nice beautiful person. God Bless Prayers and hugs
Renee Breen
May 12, 2016
Susie,
Sending much love to you and the family. Keeping you all close in our thoughts and prayers.
Robyn Wishna
May 12, 2016
Jule and Susie-my condolences---your mom was one of a kind! RIP Rita xo
Eddie Ciaschi
May 12, 2016
Rita was a great friend, caring and always there for other people. I have been a friend of Rita's since 7th grade. Many laughs and fun throughout high school. Rest in peace Rita. You will be missed.
Emily and Aaron Richardson
May 12, 2016
Susie and Family,
So sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was such a character and had a great heart. May she rest in peace. Sending prayers to you all.
Ed O'Brien
May 12, 2016
My father, "Obie O'Brien and Rita's mother, Ann worked together at Irv Lewis in the 1950's. Our families attended many social functions together and we enjoyed many a good time. I have a lot of good memories of those years. Rita, rest in peace.
Lynn Whipple-Davenport
May 12, 2016
Rita was a second mother to me my whole entire life. She was a wonderful caring loving friend. Will Miss her so much.
Wendy (White) Gellert
May 12, 2016
Julie, Susie and families,
I'm so sorry about your Mom. She and your Dad were such a huge part of my life when I lived in Ithaca. I will always remember them both with fond memories. My prayers are with you all.
Barry Smith
May 12, 2016
We had lots of good times my cousin. RIP
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