Rita Howie Obituary
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Rita graduated in 1965 from the High School of Commerce. For over 30 years, she ran a support group for people suffering from panic/anxiety disorder. She was very dedicated to all her members of the support group. She was the founder of the Massachusetts Phobia Society. In 2003, Rita won the Hometown Hero Award, and on January 11, she was chosen to represent Chicopee as a member of the National Association ofProfessional Woman. In 2011, Rita came out of retirement to start another support group at Holyoke Hospital but had to retire due to health issues.
She loved to dance and roller-skate; and leaves many friends locally and in Arizona.
Rita is survived by her beloved grandson, Joshua LaPorte & wife Conley, brother, Thomas Zicolella & wife Maryann, nephew, Steven Zicolella, his wife Tracyand their boys, Steven & James, as well as her faithful cousin, Cindy Diaz, who was there for her all the time.
Family and friends are invited to visit Saturday, March 30th, from 9-11 a.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, 22 Locust Street in Springfield, proceeding to Ritas committal service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kids ofSt.Jude at StJude.org or ADAA-Anxiety & Depression Association of America at ADAA.org.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Rita, please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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22 Locust St, Springfield, MA 01108
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