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Rita Bares Raphael

FUNERAL HOME

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Rita Raphael Obituary

Rita Bares Raphael, aged 73, departed this life on January 14, 2018. Rita was born in New Orleans on September 5, 1944, eldest child of Frank R. Bares and Rita Ary Bares. She grew up on Scott Street in Mid-City and attended Sacred Heart High School. In 1965, Rita graduated as an R.N. from Charity School of Nursing and married high school sweetheart David C. Raphael. After nursing school, she worked at the ENT Hospital downtown and at East Jefferson General Hospital. From the early '70s through the early '80s, Rita focused on raising her family in Metairie. She participated at her children's schools, played tennis at Beach Club, and remained active in Sacred Heart and Charity alumni networks. She later worked at Browne-McHardy Clinic and in her husband's dental office, both in Metairie. From the mid-'90s on, she relished being a grandmother and caring for elderly family members. Riri, as she was known to her grandchildren, cared for others in concrete ways without question, without hesitation, and without condition. Preceded in death by her father, Frank R. Bares (d. 1957), her mother Rita Ary Bares (d. 2014), and her brother Frank R. Bares, Jr. Survived by her husband David C. Raphael, Sr.; Rebecca M. Raphael, David C. Raphael, Jr., and Claire J. Raphael (children), Diana R. Raphael (daughter-in-law); Corey Moody, Jr, Amanda E. Raphael, and Alejandro D. Raphael (grandchildren); Patricia Bares Anderson, Cindy Bares Burke, and Kathy Bares Helmer (sisters); and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 18, 2018, 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 12:00 p.m. and internment at Lakelawn Metairie Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant House and The Good Shepherd School on Baronne Street.

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

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Jan. 16 to Jan. 18, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Raphael

28 Entries

Christine Clark

January 29, 2018

We made a donation to Covenant House in remembrance of Aunt Rita. Covenant House has been a special charity to us as well ever since Coleman participated in the Sleep Out Broadway night.

This was taken in July 2016 when Aunt Rita and Uncle David came to Tulsa for Cameron and Lindsey's wedding.

Christine Clark

January 29, 2018

Aunt Rita was always so welcoming to my family. We really enjoyed staying with her and Uncle David on our trips to NOLA. She will be deeply missed. I'm so sad that we weren't able to attend the funeral.

Paul and Donna Bergeron

January 22, 2018

Dr. Raphael and Family...

Our sincere sympathy to you and your family during your time of deep sadness.

Over the past couple of decades we only got to chat with Rita briefly during our dental visits, but we do have a good memory of the day that Rita and doc visited my sister Mary V, and the rest of the Bergeron family, to play a little tennis at the vacation house in Pass Christian. Well, the timing was perfect since only minutes before your arrival, our young daughter was in a lot of pain after picking up a long deep splinter while running on the wood deck barefoot. It was Rita that came to the rescue that day by calming my daughter down (and the rest of us as well). She went on to take charge of the medical situation while the rest of us looked on admiring the caring way that Rita had about her. It was during that hour or so on the deck that we got to see what a down to earth and lovely person Rita was.

I suspect that a part of Rita's caring nature will still shine through each of you. When it does, you can just smile knowing how proud you have made her.

We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless Rita and her family.

Paul & Donna Bergeron, and entire Bergeron Clan

Jesse Vinet

January 21, 2018

Dr. Raphael and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Rita. She will be missed by many. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jesse and Stephanie Vinet

Louise Kincannon

January 21, 2018

Dear Dr. Raphael & family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Rita's heartwarming and comforting smile at the dentist office and concern for our family will always be remembered. Know that she rests peacefully in Jesus' arms. You are in our prayers.
Love, Louise Falencki & Allen Kincannon, Lawrence & David Falencki

January 21, 2018

Condolences to the family.
We were the neighbors on Scott Street so many years ago. Old friends are never forgotten. God Bless.
Audrey Hart Schindler

Charles and Claire Bauer

January 19, 2018

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kathlyn Lamarque Nolan

January 18, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I am truly sorry for your loss. May God Bless Rita.

Mel Ryan

January 18, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with the Raphael family during these most troubling times. Ms. Rita was a gentle soul and will be remembered as such. Please accept my most sincere condolences.

Lisa Larkin Hollis

January 18, 2018

Rita was a beautiful person, inside and out, who was so kind and loving. Dave, Rebecca, David, Claire and family, I pray that you will be blessed with many happy memories of an extraordinary woman who gave so much to so many, and comforted by the promises of Christ that, "This day you shall be with Me in Paradise." She will be greatly missed. Much love to all.

Rebecca Raphael

January 18, 2018

We understand that many people who wanted to be here with us today are unable to get here on account of the weather. Thank you for your kind messages and support. We know that you are with us in spirit.

Linda Munn

January 18, 2018

My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Raphael, Claire and the entire Raphael family. Her beautiful smile was what always greeted anyone who entered the office. May she Rest In Peace.

Dr. Tameka Martin

January 18, 2018

Dear Dr. Raphael,

I am truly sorry for your loss. Mrs. Raphael was a lovely woman with a kind heart. I was devastated when I heard that she passed on but was comforted by the fact that she is now in God's loving hands. I will be praying for you and your family.

Mary Coco

January 17, 2018

I met Rita in Austin when Rebecca moved here to work at Texas State. I will always remember how gracious and friendly she was. I enjoyed our dinners and other times when we were together and could have long talks. She was such a caring, pure hearted person. She dearly loved her children and grandchildren. I feel blessed and grateful to have spent a little time with her.
Mary Coco

August J. & Evelyne W. Berner, Jr.

January 17, 2018

Dear David,

Evey and I are very saddened on the loss of your beautiful wife, Rita, who always had a welcoming smile and warm reception for all of your patients and friends and we extend to you our sincerest heartfelt sympathy. We will miss her very much.

Sincerely,

Augie & Evey

Emelie Buford

January 17, 2018

I'm so sad to hear of the passing of
Ms Rita. She always had a beautiful
smile & happy soul. Thank you for giving me the chance to work for
you & Dr. Raphael for 8 yrs.
My Sincere & Deepest Condolences to
Dr. Raphael & family
Emelie & Wade Buford

Clay McGovern

January 17, 2018

I have so many fond memories of time spent at the Raphael house. Mrs. Rita was always there with a ready smile and laugh. She will be missed. Our deepest condolences to Dr. Raphael, Dave, Rebecca, and Claire.

Cheryl Messina

January 17, 2018

I was so sad to read about my High School classmate.Rita with always a smile and friendly manner.Remember the fun we had doing our Senior Class play "The Mikado" Rita had the lead female role and was so beautiful and great.My prayers for Rita and her family.Sincerely,Cheryl Messina

Leon Toups

January 17, 2018

Dave and Family, Rita was a wonderful person, a kind, gentle and sharing soul. We've had so many great times together. Our great memories of her will get us through these trying times. We will certainly keep Rita in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Leon and Lynda Toups

Robert Belou

January 17, 2018

So sorry for your loss Dr Belou and staff

Ileana Rubio

January 16, 2018

Dr. Raphael,
Mrs. Rita was a kind and caring person and we know that she will continue watching over her loved ones. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time and may our prayers bring comfort to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Juan, Ileana and Analisa Rubio

James D. & Marie R. Martin

January 16, 2018

So sorry for your lost and my deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Shes were like an friend. I known Mrs. Rita Raphael and Mr. Dr. David Raphael many years providing them with my lawn care services. Mrs. Rita was very kind and soft spoken. She shall be sadly missed.

Noel Albano-Graham

January 16, 2018

Dr. Raphael and Claire, I feel as though a family member has passed on. I send you my love. Noel Albano Graham

January 16, 2018

My deepest. Condolences to Dr Rapheal , Claire and family , sincerely Margaret Wood

Lynn Scarengos

January 16, 2018

A great lady, brilliant and kind. Her eyes were always lit with humor and she was totally devoted to her family and profession. What a loss. Prayers for Dr. Raphael and family.

Jacki Gettleman Samolsky

January 15, 2018

Devastated to hear of this! I spent so much time at the Raphael home and I remember her always smiling and laughing! I wish I could be there, but I am with you in spirit. Sending love to Dr. R, Becca, David & Claire.

Rita Raphael taken 07/14/2017

Sharon Raphael

January 15, 2018

My dear, sweet, beautiful Aunt, I will miss you dearly. I will always remember your love, our chats and your beautiful smile. You will, forever, be in my heart.

Steven Toups

January 15, 2018

We will all miss "Ms Rita Stories". Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Raphael family on their loss.

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