Rita Aurelia Fanning Robillia

Rita Aurelia Fanning Robillia February 28, 1922 - January 8, 2007 Rita was born February 28, 1922 in New Orleans, La. Rita was a lifelong resident of New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina destroyed her home in 2005 and she moved to Charlotte, NC to be near her niece and nephew. She lived her days in Charlotte at Sunrise at Eastover. Rita was the beloved wife of the late Louis Robillia, Jr., daughter of the late Florence Marullo Fanning and Joseph Hyland Fanning, sister of the late Amelia Louise, Michael Joseph, and Joy Atwater Fanning. Rita is survived by one niece, Melanie Fanning Dunn, one nephew, Adolphus William Dunn III, many special godchildren including Jeanne Lecler Honganen, and her lifelong friends and extended family, the Lecler family. Rita is also survived by one sister-in-law, Aliceann Robillia Ellison of Mill Valley, Ca. Rita was an employee of Sears Roebuck for forty-three years and a member of the Sears Retired Ladies Club. Rita was a lifetime member of the Retired Officers Association, a member of the Ark-La-Tex Chapter of the T.R.O.A., the 11th Armored Division Association, and the Gulf Coast Chapter of the 11th Armored Division Association. She was also a member of the Victory Lions Club. Rita was a former member of many Mardi Gras Associations - the Krewes of Les Marionettes, Niads, Bal Masque, Venus, Iris, and she was a former Queen of Pegasus. A Catholic Mass of Burial will be conducted by Father Dennis McGowan of St. John Catholic Church in Waynesville, NC on Friday, February 2, 2007 at 3:30pm. Interment will be in the Garrett-Hillcrest Mausoleum in Waynesville, NC. After Katrina, Rita determined that she did not want to be buried in New Orleans, so the relatives in the family crypt were moved and interred at Garrett-Hillcrest in Waynesville. Special thanks go to all of her loving caregivers at Sunrise at Eastover and to her Hospice Nurse, Annah Sides. And to Gladys Lecler, her friend of over 80 years, and the Lecler family who rescued her from New Orleans before Katrina hit, we love you. In lieu of flowers, Masses or Donations to her favorite charities will be appreciated. Donations may be made to MedAssist, 5516 Central Avenue Charlotte, NC 28212 or to The Levine & Dickinson Hospice House c/o Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region Attn: Development Department 1420 East Seventh Street Charlotte, NC 28204. An online guest registry may be signed at www.garettfuneralsand cremations.com sponsored by the staff of Garrett Funerals and Cremations.