Evelyn "Dede" Ritter

RITTER, Evelyn "Dede" (Traska) Evelyn "Dede" (Traska) Ritter, 53, of East Hartford, loving wife of David C. Ritter, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday (June 8, 2005) after a very courageous battle with cancer. Born in Barre, VT, a daughter of the late Anerd and Muriel (Payne) Traska, she had resided in Wethersfield for 15 years prior to moving back to East Hartford four years ago. She was a graduate of George J. Penney High School, Class of 1970, and a member of the First Church of Christ Congregational in Wethersfield. She was a home day-care provider for many years and recently was employed by South End Auto Body in Rocky Hill as a bookkeeper. Dede loved gardening, hiking, and camping, but most of all being the #1 fan of her daughters at their games and plays. She loved being around her family and friends, as well as dancing and singing. Dede will be remembered for her great sense of humor, a fun loving, friendly, and big-hearted individual who was the life of the party. She loved life to the fullest and a person that you could count on. Besides her beloved husband of 24 years, Dede is survived by her two cherished daughters, Sarah Ritter and Amy Ritter both of East Hartford; a brother, Karl Traska and his wife and Dede's special friend, Louise, of East Hartford; a sister, Nancy Riccardi of East Hartford; two nieces, Lori Munn and her husband, Rocky, of Windsor Locks, Chrissy Riccardi of East Hartford; two dear friends, Rich and Abbie Beebe of East Hartford; and many other special friends. Funeral service will be Saturday, June 11, at 1 p.m. at the First Church of Christ Congregation of Wethersfield, 250 Main Street, Wethersfield with the Rev. Dr. J. Jey Defeill, Jr. officiating. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford TODAY from 5-8 p.m. Memorial contributions in Dede's name may be made to the VNA, Hospice & Palliative Care of Connecticut, 111 Founders Plaza, East Hartford, 06108 or to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Avenue, P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, 06450-1004. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit at www.desopo.com.