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Rita Atlas

1929 - 2018

Rita Atlas obituary, 1929-2018, McAllen, TX

FUNERAL HOME

Kreidler Funeral Home

314 North 10th Street

McAllen, Texas

Rita Atlas Obituary

ATLAS, Rita Rita Atlas passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in McAllen, Texas on August 4, 2018. She will be remembered for her elegance and beauty, fierce commitment to and love of family, generous mentorship, loyal friendship, wisdom, grace, unparalleled warm-heartedness, and indomitable spirit. Rita Willner was born in St. Charles, Missouri, on February 22, 1929. She was the youngest of four daughters. Rita graduated from St. Charles High School at the age of 16. She attended nearby Lindenwood College for one year, at her father's request, and then transferred in 1946 to the University of Texas at Austin. Rita met Morris Atlas during her first semester at UT when each was with someone else during a double date. It was love at first sight. Morris and Rita's first official date was to attend a costume party with "suppressed desire" as the theme. Morris dressed as Julius Caesar. Rita, much to his surprise, dressed as a bride. They married in 1947 and remained a loving couple and a great team for 68 years. Rita and Morris unconditionally adored, supported, and stood by each other. After Morris graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1950, at Rita's urging and with the encouragement of their close friends Myles and Sylvia Aaronson, Rita and Morris moved to McAllen. They raised four children - Scott, Debra, Lauren, and Lisa. Rita was a devoted and fully engaged mother and homemaker "par excellence." She enthusiastically organized activities for her children and encouraged and supported them in their various academic and extracurricular projects. She was a significant role model, teaching by example the value of hard work, responsibility, and respect for others. She entertained exquisitely and warmly, for family and friends' celebrations, and in connection with her children's activities and Morris's civic and professional endeavors. "Rita Atlas's Special Nachos" were a favorite at many McAllen events and drew raves far and wide. Rita also became deeply involved in the McAllen community, the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and the State of Texas. Rita served in and, in many instances, led numerous community and religious organizations. Rita's community involvement and honors included: Mayoral appointments as Chair of McAllen's Bicentennial Committee, Police Relations Committee, and Civil Service Commission; Board member of the McAllen International Museum and Chair of its annual fundraising gala, "Collage"; President of the Temple Emanuel Sisterhood; President of the local chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women; Member of the Advisory Board for the University of Texas School of Nursing; Member of Leadership Texas; and Member of the State Democratic Executive Committee. She was named Woman of the Year by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and selected as the honoree at the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Third Annual Women's Leadership Luncheon. In addition, she assisted public school teachers as a math tutor and helped others in many kinds of organizational work. With Morris, she devoted countless hours to University of Texas activities and enthusiastically supported the Longhorns at scores of football games. Rita's devotion to her family increased further with the arrival of grandchildren. She adored Ryan, David, Adam, Becca, and Nathaniel beyond words. She and Morris agreed that if they "had known how much fun having grandchildren would be, we would have skipped children altogether!" Rita also loved her extended family. She regularly included them in her nuclear family get-togethers, holiday gatherings, and other celebrations. Rita was predeceased by Morris, her parents Max and Fanny Willner, and her siblings Pearl Cohen, Rose Lerman, and Ann Reisfeld. She is survived by her four children: her son Scott Atlas and his wife Nancy, her daughter Debra Atlas, her daughter Lauren Atlas Silverblatt and her husband Alan, and her daughter Lisa Atlas Genecov and her husband Jeff. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ryan Atlas and his wife Alison, David Atlas, Nathaniel Silverblatt, Adam Genecov, and Rebecca Genecov; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Drs. Michael Jelinek, Tommy Yee, Alex Georgiadis, and Phillip Blum. The family would also like to express heartfelt gratitude to Rita and Morris's caregivers, Fidel Lara, Jimmy Martinez, and George Garcia, who have become dear friends of the Atlas family and were instrumental in both Morris and Rita's comfort and happiness during the last eight years. After a private burial, there will be a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on August 10, in the sanctuary of Temple Emanuel, 4300 North Chai (C) Street, in McAllen. Honorary pallbearers will be Ryan Atlas, Alison Atlas, David Atlas, Adam Genecov, Becca Genecov, Nathaniel Silverblatt, Hal DeBerry, Jenny DeBerry, Bailey Gurwitz, Gary Gurwitz, Cecilia Shapiro, and Bill Stocker. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Temple Emanuel, for "Atlas donation," 4300 North Chai (C) St., McAllen, TX 78504; or Stroke Research & Education Foundation, for "Atlas Fund," 4409 Water Edge, Harlingen, TX 78552. Mom, you were a force of nature -- larger than life. We will truly miss you.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Aug. 7, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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Sorry to hear of " aunt" Rita's passing, I remember her vibrant presence when she visited Laurie and I in Saint Lewis
Larry Hansen

Larry hansen

January 25, 2019

Sincerest and heartfelt condolences to Rita's children and family.

Deanna Neuberg and Family

September 19, 2018

Warm thoughts of sympathy go out to your dear family. May the comfort from Daniel 12:13 aid in your solace.

Jarrod Weaver

August 12, 2018

I read the obituary of Rita Atlas in the Austin paper and when I read about her I think I know who her parents were. I was born in St. Charles Mo. in 1929. I remember the name of Wilner as Max or Izie as my uncle called him was a friend of the Brause boys, Bill and Walter. They lasts talked of Izie and how great he was. My grandmother Hauenstein lived across the street from Lindenwood when the old brick wall was still there. Anyway I just felt I would say I am sorry of your lost and wanted you to know how your grandparents were so well liked. I will be 89 this year and live in Burnet Tx. and you had a beautiful Mom. Lela [email protected].

August 12, 2018

I'm deeply sorry to hear about Mrs Rita. May the family find comfort in psalms 5:6-10.

August 12, 2018

Scott, So sorry to read about your mothers passing. Our thoughts are with you and you're family .

Ginger & Ralph Pace

August 12, 2018

Offering deepest heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May your cherished memories shine through your sorrow. John 11: 33-44

August 11, 2018

Please accept my sincere condolences. May you continue to remember her warm smile and wonderful qualities, which made her so dear to you. Perhaps you will find solace in reading Jesus' words in John 11:1-44, particularly vs.25, The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies will come to life.

Hope Christian

August 10, 2018

Scott, my sincere condolences. You are so fortunate to have had such a gracious and loving mom. May you and your family find strength during this time and your many happy memories.

Elvia Rios

August 10, 2018

Scott sad to hear of the loss of your Mother, but what a life she lived. She was so kind to me in the few short years I knew her before we all moved on to our careers. She always had a smile and a kind word May God Bless you and your family during this difficult time. Jim Polk

Jim Polk

August 9, 2018

My deepest condolences to Rita's family. We were very good friends for many years and she will be missed.

Lucille de la Garza

August 9, 2018

My deepest condolences to the family. We were very good friends for many years and Rita will be missed.
Lucille de la Garza

August 9, 2018

Lucille de la Garza

August 9, 2018

I was blessed to meet your parents several years ago after I moved to San Juan to be Rector of the Basilica. We would run into each other often at The Patio on Guerra. Your Mom and Dad were always kind and generous, treated me like we had been friends for years. You were most fortunate that God and life gave you such parents and grandparents.
May she sing with the angels in heaven!
Father Amador Garza

August 9, 2018

My deepest condolences to your family. I knew Rita as a client and was always amazed at how dignified, gracious and caring she was at all times. I know she will be missed by many in the community. Our loss does not compare to the loss her loved ones are experiencing, so my prayers to all of you.

Kim Brady

August 8, 2018

I met Mrs. Atlas in late 1972 or early 1973 and since then I never ceased having the utmost respect for her.
She was a great human being and a great lady. May she rest in Peace.

Alex Lamela

August 8, 2018

I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find comfort in Psalms 94:19.

August 8, 2018

Sincerest condolences to the family of this beautiful woman. My parents, Jo and Sol Taub, adored Rita and Morris as did I. What fabulous memories!

Linda and James Martin

August 8, 2018

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as we carry your Mom and Dad in our hearts.

Lauro Guerra

August 8, 2018

Atlas Family, my childhood friends were Morris and Joe. Morris let me add your Mother as another friend. My sympathy to the family. Melvin Maltz

August 7, 2018

May the family be comforted by reflecting on God's promise to be with you and help you cope with your great loss.

A. L.

August 7, 2018

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time to comfort you and give you strength.

C K

August 7, 2018

Lauren and Alan and families, please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences on Mrs. Atlas's passing.

Jim McElroy

August 6, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family of Rita Atlas. During this most difficult time, may the words at 1Peter 5:6,7 comfort all of you.

Sincerely,
E. Johnson

E Johnson

August 6, 2018

To the family so sorry for your loss may the God of Peace continue to be with you and bring you comfort in your time of need. (Roman 15:33)

August 6, 2018

Dear Atlas family,

We are so sorry about your Mom! You are all in our thoughts and prayers!

Sending love and strength during this difficult time!

With love,
Reba Showers,
Gay and Sam Hargis
Brenda and Chris Buell

Gay

August 6, 2018

Reading of your mom's life and accomplishments made me smile. She must have been a tremendous person. She used the life given to her well. My sincere condolences. May your family find peace and comfort in God's promise of his Kingdom. And like Abraham, may your loving family be counted as God's friend.

August 6, 2018

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I'm so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time to comfort you and give you strength.

C K

August 6, 2018

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Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Temple Emanuel

4300 North Chai (C) Street, McAllen, TX

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Kreidler Funeral Home

314 North 10th Street, McAllen, TX 78501

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