Rita Burke Prime

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Milpitas High School Santa Clara University

Rita Prime Obituary

Rita Burke Prime After a full and complete life, passed away peacefully August 3, 2009. Rita Margaret Mary Burke was born in New York City on 11/21/1915. She lost both her parents early in life, and lived in Connecticut with her step-grandmother, who was the joy of Rita's young life, who inspired her love of Ireland and all things Irish, and who nurtured in her the complete love and support of her family, and the inclusion in this family of all she came in contact with. If you ever met Rita, you knew she was "tough Irish", a coffee "fiend", a "fresh air fanatic", and a lifelong Dodgers fan. You also probably fell in love with her and became her friend forever. Rita met Ellis Roy Prime and they married on September 14, 1942 in New York City. Soon after, Rita and Roy moved to Los Angeles, where they had three children, Robert Bruce, Mary Ann, and Patricia Kathryn. They established a home and a strong base of family and friends, raised their children, and were very active in their Church. Rita always considered Los Angeles her "true home". Rita completed her college degree and began teaching high school in Southern California. Rita and Roy moved to Mountain View in July of 1970, and Rita quickly became a teacher at Milpitas High School. She founded and ran their reading program, and was the band counselor. During that time she was awarded a master's degree from Santa Clara University in education. While at SCU she joined Pi Lambda Theta sorority, and coordinated and ran a program dispersing information about head injuries, among many other projects. She also opened and ran an educational supply store for several years, all this while still teaching. After retiring from Milpitas, she continued in education by consulting for the East Side Union High School district in San Jose. After moving north, Rita and Roy became parishioners at St. Joseph's Church in Mountain View. They became very involved with many aspects of the Church, and Rita was a founding member of the pastoral counseling group there. She returned to Santa Clara University and was awarded a master's degree in pastoral counseling. She continued as a lay minister and pastoral counselor past 2000. She had boundless energy, a smile for everyone, and a truly caring spirit of uncommon joy and generosity. Her greatest pride was her family: Robert Bruce (Donna), Mary Ann, and Patricia Kathryn (Doug McLean); her grandchildren Michael Bruce Prime (Warapha,), Dennis Robert Prime (Lisa), William Wiley Bedsworth II (Louise), and Megan Aileen Bedsworth (Kent Bailey), and her great-grandchildren Kaelan, Jesse, Olivia, Gavin, Ellie, Colleen, and Wiley. She was the center of a loving family and will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know her. Visitation will be Friday, August 7 from 5:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary, 96 W. El Camino in Mtn. View. The Funeral Mass will be Saturday, August 8 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 582 Hope St., Mtn. View. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Los Altos. Please sign the guestbook at: www.cusimanocolonial.com.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News on Aug. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Prime

8 Entries

Rhonda (Neill) Mitchell

July 31, 2024

To Rita's Family...
I will always remember your sweet Rita and what an amazing teacher and woman she was. As her student, she helped me through a very difficult time in my life. She was always there for me. After I graduated, she remained in my life as a loving and caring friend. There will always be a special place in my heart for dear Rita.
Rhonda (Neill) Mitchell
Class Of 1973
Milpitas High School

Rhonda Mitchell

July 31, 2022

It is said that with time we recover from the grief of losing a loved one. We never recover from grief, however we grow around it. Having lost my only sibling, her husband (who was the brother I never had), my Mother and my Father, this holds true for me. We will always grieve for our loved ones. For this reason, I send my thoughts and prayers to Rita's loved ones. I truly loved your dear Rita and she will always have a place in my heart. I hold my wonderful memories of Rita, close to my heart. Rita was my teacher, confidant and friend, long after I graduated from Milpitas High. She helped to guide me through a very difficult time in my life. Thank you for sharing your precious Rita with us all.

Rhonda Mitchell

December 28, 2009

To Rita's Family,

I only just now found out about your Mother's passing. I sent her a Christmas card, which was returned and I decided to see if she had possibly passed. I was so very, very saddened to hear that she indeed had.

I was a student of Rita's at Milpitas High School from 1969 until 1973. I was also a student of hers at Thomas Russell Middle School in Milpitas.

Rita had a profoundly wonderful effect on me and was a rock of support for me during a difficult time in my life. She went beyond being a wonderful teacher to me and was a loving "friend" to me, as well. I truly do not know what I would have done without her support at this time in my life. I will remember her fondly as the most amazing instructor I ever had.

Rita was such a kind, supportive and loving woman and we remained in touch over the years. It was wonderful to visit with her and to get to know her beyond that of being my former teacher.

Rita was a very intent listener, adviser and a truly amazing woman. She was a woman of faith and loved God. She always reminded me that I was in her prayers and to trust in God.

While I know Rita lived a full and wonderful life, I will miss her dearly. God Bless you, her family, at this time. May you find comfort in the fact that your Mother touched my life, as she did many others and I will always remember her and hold her close in my heart...

Most Warmly,
Rhonda Mitchell

Nancy Darling

August 17, 2009

Rita was a most unusual person. So dedicated and generous. She was a wonderful educator in Milpitas Unified.
St.Joseph Parish was truly blessed to have her dedication in serving the needs of the parish. Her influence was felt in the Mountain View - Los Altos Community was also significant. Rita was a member of the Church prayer group which lead to the founding of the rotating church shelter program through CSA.

I will miss her smile and good conversation.

Barbara Fiksdal

August 10, 2009

To Rita's family, my husband Jim and I will remember her grace and kindness to all. She was a great lady who was a dear friend to my parents who lived next door. We will also miss her cheerful smile and it has been a privedge to know her. Peace be with you in your time of sorrow.

Jim Gunther

August 7, 2009

Boy am I going to miss that smile she greeted you with as you entered the door, and those eyes that brightened your day. To a dear friend and spiritual mate, you will be missed. I repeat the words you taught us well: For all that has been given, thank you; For all that has been taken away, thank you; For all that has been left behind, thank you. I'm grateful for the memory and the magic of Rita's spirit that will continue to be a part of my life. Until we meet again....I love you.

Miriam (Coelho) Chipp

August 6, 2009

As parishioners of St. Joseph's Church, Rita and Roy befriended my parents, Ed and Lucille Coelho; bringing them spiritual support and friendship for a number of years. Surely Rita will be eternally blessed for the marvelous acts of charity and compassion she unconditionally gave to all who had the privilege of crossing her path!

Mary Decareau

August 6, 2009

Aunt Rita was a truly caring and generous person and I will miss her so much. Rita travelled across the country to lend whatever help and support that she could to her niece who was dying of cancer. She had been there several weeks when I visited, and was still upbeat and supportive. I can't imagine a more selfless act than that - it defines the kind of person she was.

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