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Rita Light Obituary
Rita Anna Light, 71, of Bristol, passed away Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana, from injuries she suffered in an automobile accident.
She was born July 25, 1950, in Maniago, Italy, to Franco and Italia (Centazzo) Corrado.
She married Richard Light, who survives. Also surviving is a son, Derek G. (Joni R.) Light; two grandchildren, Drake and Gabbie Light, all of Elkhart; a brother, John (Jane) Corrado of Prescott, Arizona; and two nephews, Joe Corrado of Prescott, Arizona, and Jim Corrado of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Rita was a retired guidance counselor at Pierre Moran Middle School in Elkhart. In 1971 she received a B.A. degree in English and journalism from IU Bloomington; in 1972 she received an M.S. degree in secondary education from IU Bloomington; and in 1981 she received an M.S. degree in counseling from IU Bloomington.
Rita spoke Italian, French, Russian, Spanish and English. She was a member of the Indiana Department of Education and Safe Schools Leadership Consortium. She also was a volunteer for the Elkhart Police Department, Substation 7, taught critical incident stress/listening skills workshops to the Elkhart Police Department and was a volunteer for the Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart.
Rita received the President's Award from FOP Lodge 52 in 1996 and was one of 10 YWCA Women of Elkhart County in 1996. She dearly loved animals and was Aunt Rita to any dog she met. Rita dearly loved her Australian Labradoodle "Ellie" who was also killed in the automobile accident.
Rita had a great sense of humor, which was very finely tuned and could talk to anyone she met and had an extensive vocabulary.
Rita loved to exercise and enjoyed taking "Ellie" on long walks.
Cremation will take place and a celebration of life gathering for Rita will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Elkhart County Humane Society.
Elkhart Cremation Services is entrusted with her care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Light
Sponsored by Elkhart Cremation Services - Elkhart.
Rick & Trisha Fiene
December 23, 2021
I was deeply saddened when I heard of this tragedy. Rita was a special person that I looked up to as a young teacher. She always knew how to handle any situation with care and compassion. Deepest sympathies from the both of us.
Bob Szobody
December 22, 2021
You have my sincerest condolences Dick.
Pam (Smith) Hellwege
December 22, 2021
I was so sad to hear about Rita´s death. The world has one less very special person in it. Dick, my heart breaks for you, and I trust your son and family will help you move forward. I have great memories of times with Rita. These memories are even more precious now.
Liberty and Maisy (Ellie´s sister)
December 22, 2021
I never met Rita, only talked to her once and we text messages about Ellie and Maisy. We were looking forward to meet with our dogs. We are heartbroken both are gone and I knew she was a special person. Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Connie Randolph
December 22, 2021
So sorry to hear about Rita. We talked often when she was walking her dog. Always enjoyed talking to her. Prayers to you and your family. She will be missed.
John & Linda Eby Clark
December 22, 2021
Our sincere condolences to you, Dick, and family. John knew Rita years ago from her work with the EDP.
Linda Bernhardt
December 22, 2021
What a beautiful "light" to the earth she surely must have been. Thinking of you often, Dick, and sending love and condolences from afar.
GEO MANDIS
December 21, 2021
The Mandises were deeply saddened to hear of Rita´s tragic death.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Dick and family. Prayer has been offered. May the Great Architect of our universe provide comfort during this difficult time, and may fond memories offer solace. God Bless
Ted Cartwright
December 21, 2021
I was so sorry to hear this! She was definitely "aunt Rita" to all of our greyhounds! She was a wonderful person and a joy to stand and chat with. She will be greatly missed!!!!
Betsy Tepe
December 21, 2021
Thinking of you at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers for the family.
Yvonne Smith Christian
December 21, 2021
Dick it's been a number of years when I last saw you when we were kids. Please accept my sympathy as you remember Rita. What an amazing person and what remarkable life your wife had. Yvonne Smith Christian
Steve and Janeen Longfellow
December 21, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Lynn & Fred Lands
December 21, 2021
Rita would always have treats for our dog when we are at Walker Park. Very nice person. Our Sympathy to Dick, Derek and entire Light family. God Bless
Doug & Karen Mick
December 20, 2021
So sorry to see the loss of your wife Rita, we lost our son 4 months ago, we know how hard it is but you must move forward, her memory will carry you through!
Shawn Hannon
December 20, 2021
Rita had a terrific way of making those around her want to earn her respect, adults and students alike. She will be missed by many.
With sympathy for her family and close friends,
Shawn Hannon
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Elkhart Cremation Services - Elkhart2100 W. Franklin Street, Elkhart, IN 46516
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