RITA DeMAJISTRE

Thinking of both Rita and my son as both of the anniversaries of their death approaches. It will be 27 years since my son died on January 19, and 2 years since my dear friend, Rita, also died on that date. I often thing of Rita as I drive to a new dance that is right by Juniper. I miss both of them so very much!

Even though I met Rita at a wedding many years ago, it was actually because of my sister, Jeannie, being her best friend, that I had the opportunity to hang out with her for last six years. I introduced her to a couple of my other elderly friends and I loved seeing them interact and share stories. Wisdom, a sense of humor, intelligence, a strong faith, and endurance is what I see in most of the elderly, especially Rita. She would answer the phone "What's the scoop?" People would come up to her and say how cute she was, and she really enjoyed talking to them. When she found out that Cervelli (Pittsburgh Pirate's catcher, at the time) frequented a restaurant that we often went to, she was so excited and told the owner to call her the next time that he was there. I will miss Rita so very much, but her memory will be in my heart forever!

Rita was my dearest friend for 35 years. Having met while working at a law firm, we immediately bonded and unknowingly had many connections. I will always remember Rita as an intelligent, generous, caring soul who loved her family. She was a born nurturer who took care of many people who were ill and hurting. I am confident that she earned her angel wings! She will live in my heart forever.