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Rita Taylor Obituary

Taylor Rita Passed away alongside her husband on December 9, 2024. Her passion and generosity knew no bounds, especially when it came to helping friends and family. For everyone she acted as their shelter and guide. She always found a way to provide comfort and solve problems. As a successful Main Line real estate agent, Rita used her skill and determination to help her clients find their dream homes. Many clients turned into lifelong friends - and in one instance a husband - proving that Rita could befriend anyone, any time. For her family, Rita was the glue that kept us together. She worked tirelessly attending to the needs of her mother, aunt, stepchildren, and niece Rachel. She had a talent for making everyday special and bringing us all together. She is fondly remembered as someone who made things happen. For the entirety of her life Rita loved to travel and the last months of her life were no exception. She always brought along her tenor (Jay), and often her twin sister Maria, whom she lovingly referred to as her "hitchhiker" because Rita had been born first. A fan of the arts, Rita held subscriptions to Opera Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Metropolitan Opera, and The Arden Theater. She loved food, art (especially Chagall), music, coffee, and her dog Alba. Rita was at her happiest on a beach sitting watching the waves and listening to the sounds of the ocean. Rita is survived by her husband, Jay Anstee; her stepchildren, Eve and Ian Anstee, whom she loved as her own; her mother, Luz Fraga; her sister, Maria Fraga-Delahunty, and her daughter Rachel Delahunty; her brother, John Fraga, his wife Nancy Fraga, and their children Megan Sweeney, John Fraga, and Eric Fraga. Rita loved to quote "A coward dies a thousand deaths, the valiant never taste of death but once." However, to all who loved her, Rita will never die, as she lives on in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Settlement Music School in Rita's memory. Family and friends will be contacted at a later date regarding Memorial Services

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Dec. 15, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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Elsie Baum

March 2, 2025

I met Rita while purchasing my new home! She was very helpful in my decision making! She was kind,intelligent and sassy! A great business women! We were going to get together for a lunch or dinner to celebrate my new home and new friendship! Unfortunately due to saddened news it never came about! Rest in peace Rita!

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

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Edie and Frank Bagnato

December 21, 2024

Rita was a dear friend of ours. We were lucky that our paths crossed but even more blessed that we became close friends throughout the years. She was a very kind and loving person who always cared about others and took care of her family even with her busy work schedule. She was a very busy and successful Realtor but always found the time for her family and friends. She was a friend and mentor for us in so many ways. We will miss her deeply. To Jay and all of Rita's family we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

Elsie Baum ,I met Rita last yr she was instrumental in me purchasing my ho

December 17, 2024

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Tina Buckley

December 16, 2024

Rita was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all.

Kevin & Lynne Anstee

December 15, 2024

Jay, Ian & Eve and all of Rita's Family ... we are so sorry for your loss ... our hearts and prayers are with you knowing that Rita will always be with each of you. Love, Kevin & Lynne

Nancy Patton

December 15, 2024

All of us at the Main Line Opera loved Rita and she was named our honorary member and Friend. I will always remember our girls dinners and the time that Rita was so gracious and invited Christy Sutton and I along with Jay and her Sister Maria to a trip to Paris in 2017. It was a trip of a lifetime and I will never forget it or those 4 wonderful travel companions and especially Rita and Jay who made it happen. Rita you will be dearly missed and I will make sure that your Jay keeps singing with his beautiful voice

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