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Rita Steinle Obituary

Rita Steinle VIRGINIA BEACH - Rita Steinle, 72, started a new journey Sept. 23, 2009, after battling the unwelcomed walk of cancer. She was born in St. Paul, Minn., and lived in Virginia Beach where she worked for Goodwill Ind. for 23 years and volunteered for the Red Cross for 15. Rita was a loving mother of four and helped shape the lives of many children through the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, TBA cheerleading and being the neighborhood nurse. She will be greatly missed by her faithful companion, "Dollar." Rita leaves behind her loving son, James Steinle of Virginia Beach; her daughters, Ann Bonsall of Arcadia, Fla., Deanna Davis of Virginia Beach and Zandra Graffeo and husband Lou of New Jersey; granddaughters, Shannon Withers, Sarah Steinle; great-granddaughter, Isabella Davison; and Rita's husband, William Steinle. The family wishes to thank all the friends for their love and support. A special hug to Joseph Swinney for opening his heart and home on the Peace River for Rita to enjoy her final months. By Rita's request, there will not be any services and her cremains will reside with Ann.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Sep. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Steinle

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David and Michelle Weiner

October 12, 2009

To the Steinle family,

Our deepest sympathy goes to each of you for your loss. Both Dave and I have lost our parents. I can tell you it does not get any easier. Time does not heal all wounds but you learn to cope as time goes on because you have to. What helps us is to openly remember the good and bad times, the laughter and tears with our parents, the frustration and rewards from childhood and the memories/moments in time that each person who knew and loved your mother has to share. Please know that you are all in our prayers and we are here whenever you need us to be. David and Michelle Weiner

October 7, 2009

Deanna and family,

Your mom was so special and had such a big heart. I have had the pleasure of knowing you and your family for over 20 years now. I remember back in '92, my daughter Megan was only a few months old and my husband was out to sea. Your mom so kindly offered to baby sit so that you and I could go to the movies. I bet she did not put that baby down the entire night! She was a sweet lady and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Melanie Daugherty and family

October 6, 2009

Deanna and family,

I never had the opportunity to meet your mother. She must have been an amazing person to raise such a warm and friendly family. She lives on through the warmth and kindness of her children and the memories that you all share.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Marianne D'Antonio

October 5, 2009

To all of the Steinle Family,

Rita was a very close friend of ours and will be missed. We never known her to be an angry person, always had a kind word to say about everyone that she knew. During her time of illness she never became angry about the situation, she took everything in stride. We loved her as much as she loved the goodies that we took her from our kitchen, especially the Chocolate cake and the Halupkies. We shall never ever forget her and look forward to seeing her again on the other side.

God Bless,

Mike & Shirley Gaughan

Lene' & Tim Hundley

October 3, 2009

To the Steinle family:
One of the most profound losses that anyone can experience is the death of their mother. I think your mother's greatest legacy will be in the wonderful children she raised. Your mom was a very special lady. I will always remember her sweet smile and beautiful nature. We share in your grief and extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God keep you in his warm embrace at this difficult time.

Karen Pernell

October 2, 2009

Deanna, Annie, and all of the family of Mrs. Steinle,
Although I only had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Steinle once, I have heard many wonderful stories over the years. 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.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers,
Karen and Jason Pernell

Sally White

October 2, 2009

To the Steinle Family,
I am a friend of Deanna and only knew Mrs Steinle because she came to our lab with her little "service dog". We were very sad when we found out she had cancer. She was fortunate to have such a loving family to care for her ..may she rest in peace.
Sally White

Mel Allen

October 2, 2009

Deanna –
My sincere condolences go to you and your family during this difficult time. I cannot begin to realize the depth of your sorrow after your mother’s passing. I ran across a quote I wanted to share with you. Being a mom I can relate – hope you can. Take care of yourself and family and know if you need anything, just ask.
"I am not a perfect mother and I will never be.
You are not a perfect daughter and you will never be.
But put us together and we will be the best mother and daughter we would ever be.
Zoraida Pesante
God Bless,
Mel

October 1, 2009

I will always remember how gracious Mrs. Steinle was when you were a guest in her home. There were always so many kids around - her children and all of their friends. She was very kind to me and I will always be grateful for that.

I've talked with Deanna many times throughout Mrs. Steinle's illness and she was so grateful to everyone, especially Annie, for helping take care of her mother in her time of need. Mrs. Steinle was truly blessed to be loved by so many and she will be missed so much.

Michelle James

Deanna Davis

October 1, 2009

I would like to share a letter I received from Moms friend Robin Eckstein:

"Please know that I thought the World of Rita, I knew her from Monday night meetings and occasionally seeing her in Dr. Waldrop's waiting room. Please know she is in a better place now. Also that you are all in my thoughts ad prayers. Sincerely, Robin Eckstein."

Gayle Williams

September 30, 2009

Dear Ann,
Your mom's passing must be so very hard for you after taking care of her for over 15 months while she battled cancer. But, you know she is in God's hands now and in his paradise, looking looking down on us and keeping us safe.
Rita was a special person, who listened, without critizing, who counseled without taking sides, and who was always there for one who was in need. She asked nothing in return. She gave of herself freely, to her family and to her friends. Please know that those of us who truly knew Rita will never forget the gifts she gave us with her love and support. We know she will always be an angel on our shoulders until we join her in paradise.
You and your family are in my prayers. Thank you for loving and taking the best care possible of your mom.

Love,
Gayle

Ann Bonsall

September 29, 2009

I would like to share a letter I recieved from moms friend Lori Batten.

Dear Ann,
I knew your mom, Rita from the Monday night support group,, and I had met you when we would go to dinner.
It was such a honor to know her.
Shes an example of how we should all be and live.
She was so caring and never had an unkind thing to say about anyone.
She will be greatly missed by everybody who she knew and anybodys life she touched.

Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing.
Take care,
Lori

April Mober

September 26, 2009

To Bill and all of the Steinle Family,
Rita was a very dear friend and I will miss her greatly. Even though we didn't see one another in the last year she and I shared a lot together and she was such a special person.The last time we spoke she was very happy because her family was giving her so much support and attention. I'm glad she had that to help her through. I will miss her but, look forward to seeing her in eternity. Thank you Rita for being my friend. Love-April-

September 26, 2009

Dear Family,
We are so sorry to learn of Rita's passing. Some of our happier memories when we first lived in this neighborhood were spent with the Steinle family. Rita was a special lady and loved by everyone who knew her. She will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with
you. Bob & Lin Booth family

Nancy, Bo, & Tim Wicks

September 26, 2009

To all of the Steinle Family,

Our heart's are broken, and we share your loss. Rita was our wonderful friend and neighbor for many years. Our lives were blessed by her for many years in so many ways. Our Prayers are with you at this very difficult time in your life. I pray that God will bless all of you through her passage, to her new journey with Christ.

Your Forever Friends,
Nancy, Bo, and Tim Wicks

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