Rita Ennis Dryden

Rita, age 69, passed away on November 24th after a short illness with her children by her side. Born Rita Ennis in Philadelphia, PA she as raised in Lansdowne, PA. She was a product of the parochial school system graduation from Archbishop Prendergast High School. After high school graduation she worked as a civilian for the Army before reluctantly relocating with her family to Williamsburg in 1983. She worked in the Williamsburg James City County school system for 24 years and loved nothing more than the time she got to spend with her many coworkers and students who became part of her family.

Rita was a proud Irish American with a twinkle in her eye, quick wit, a generous smile and kindness that she was more than willing to share with everyone she met. Rita loved to talk, laugh, and dance and her personality enveloped a room. She loved listening to old Italian crooners like Perry Como and especially Dean Martin but enjoyed listening to current pop song son the radio as well-she could literally name the songs within 3 notes. She loved to decorate her house in New Town for the holidays and to her husband's chagrin she loved to display garish blow-up decorations on her lawn. Additionally, she dotted over her pet Samoyed dogs. Never forgetting her upbring in Philadelphia she loved Habbersett scrapple, a hot soft pretzel, steak sandwiches and Zitner chocolate eggs.

She was married to her husband David of 46 years, she was the proud mother of Lisa Dryden of Crozet, VA, Matthew Dryden of Hamilton OH, and Douglas Dryden of Crozet, VA. She adored her 4 grandchildren, Maddie, Liam, Callan, and Donovan. She was preceded in death by both parents Joseph and Margareta Ennis and siblings Joseph, John, and Mary. She is survived by her brother Michael Ennis and Beth Ennis Glen Mills, PA and numerous in-laws, nieces and grand nieces and nephews.

The family will welcome friends and guest this Friday from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Bucktrout Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St Bede's Catholic Church, Williamsburg, VA.

In Lieu of flowers, her family request donations be made in her honor to the national Living Donor Assistance Center (www.livingdonorassistance.org)

Bucktrout Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.