Rita S. Bielskis

Rita Snyder Bielskis, aged 88, of Memphis, TN, passed away in the early hours of March 4th, surrounded by her daughter, Julie, and her son, Michael.

Born on September 28th, 1937, in Woburn, MA, Rita was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Snyder. Throughout her life, Rita was known for her unmistakable ability to identify with others no matter their walks of life, her unmitigated commitment to making others feel good about themselves - believe in themselves, and her absolute love of laughter - no matter the place, nor the time.

Rita earned her pre-med degree from Merrimack College (Andover, MA) and her Master of Science from Boston College prior to meeting her future husband, William Michael Bielskis, Jr., at the University of Tennessee Medical School (Memphis, TN) in 1962. Bill and Rita were married in Woburn on June 20th, 1964, and welcomed their first child, Michael, in 1965.

Following the decision to focus on family and support Bill through medical school, Rita stepped away from her studies and devoted many years to teaching biology, chemistry and mathematics at St. Mary's Episcopal School and St. Dominic's School for Boys. She and Bill then welcomed daughter, Julie, into the family in June 1970.

In 1972, St. Mary's honored Rita with presentation of the St. Mary's yearbook - Carillon - and her lasting impact on students was seen in recent years when former students would recognize her in the Trezevant courtyard. Without hesitation, they would stop by to greet her and share how she was truly a teacher who stood out from the rest as evidenced in the following passage drafted by her students:

"Mrs. Bielskis has not only given us the solutions to tricky math and science problems, but also she has helped many of us with personal problems as well. Gifted with broad human understanding, a deep interest in each of her students, and a delightful sense of humor, she has been and will continue to be an inspiration to all of us who know her. Her loyalty and concern for us make Mrs. Bielskis a major ray of light in our lives."

Beyond teaching, Rita found extreme joy in sports (having coached varsity basketball at St. Mary's for several years), travel, horticulture and reading. Her undeniable love of all animals shown throughout her life through countless pet rescues and she was quick to label her closest friends, "ladybug," as her term of endearment.

She is survived by her children, both of Memphis, and was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary (Kean) Snyder, as well as her beloved sister, Claire E. Wilson, and her husband, Dr. William M. Bielskis, Jr.

A celebration of Rita's life and impact on this world will be held on Saturday, March 14th at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery at 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. Visitation will start at 12:00 pm Central followed by a memorial service in the facility's Riverside Chapel at 1:00 pm. Interment will commence at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal School or Memphis Animal Services.

There's no doubt, Rita's memory will be forever emblazoned in all of hearts she touched, particularly remembered for the interest she took in everyone she met. She possessed the most identifiable power to make anyone she spoke with feel as if they were center of the universe - a truly remarkable event to witness during her nearly 90 years with us.

Now, it's time for you to rest, Ladybug; please know we'll honor your legacy by sowing peace wherever we can, and inspiring others to actively seek the best within themselves, so they too may lift others up who need it most. Make no mistake, your precious light shines on forever, showing us how to love and treat our fellow man, all of God's animals, and the world we live in.