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Rita Costello Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Rita Costello
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
JOHN VITZ
September 30, 2020
My dear cousin, Rita, has always been close to my heart. She came from Ohio to California to be with our family, in her capacity as "Hospice Nun", to comfort her "Aunt Francis" [Frances Marion Tropeano Vitz] as my mother approached her death. Rita made those sad and solemn days much lighter with her kindness, compassion, humor and undying faith.
Sister Rita was no stranger to death as she helped so many others find their way through difficult times. Now, at the anniversary of her passing, I reflect on her life and how much she meant to all of us.
Darling Sister Rita, pray for us. †††
November 1, 2019
I just today learned of Sister Rita's passing. I adored her... she was a member of my extended family. Bright, funny, clever, loving and giving. I remember clearly one day we were all at a family Sunday dinner... She came dressed in a lovely plain black sheath dress and beautiful new shoes which she announced were her "nun pumps"... May she rest well.
Judy Rosen
San Diego
11/1/19
Carole King
October 24, 2019
Dear Monica and Maria,
I am sorry that I have not written sooner. I seem to have lost both your addresses. I know you miss Rita very much and so do I.
Cousin Rita was always the same: full of love, happy, funny and surprising. It is hard to imagine family gatherings without her. I last saw her at Richard's 75th birthday party and she surprised me again with her description of President Trump, "He is a very spiritual man."
It will take me a long time to process that.
I'm looking forward to continuing that discussion when I see her again, Lord willing.
All my love, Cousin Carole Anne
Kristi Hall
October 19, 2019
Just finding out tonight of your passing my dear friend. I had a feeling something was not quite right as I had called a couple times in the past month and got no answer and no return call. I called earlier today and the phone had been disconnected. I stopped by her neighbors to inquire tonight and then got a message from him later with your obituary. We spent so many days over seven years as our neighbor spending time with you and you adored our little girls Ayva and Delilah. You will be greatly missed by all that you have come in contact with because you were truly a light that shines into everyone's lives. Love you lady!! Condolences to family and friends
judy petrovic
October 13, 2019
A beautiful free spirit! She always helped me to put things in perspective. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and thanks for all the laughter.
Mary Joy Fratianne
October 13, 2019
There is no one like our Rita!
Elesia White
October 12, 2019
Sis Rita was my teacher at Erieview she had such a passion for her students and you could see the love in her eyes. Rest In Peace my love ( she would always call her student my love) God loves you more. My prayers are with the family.
Diane Calevich
October 11, 2019
RIP Sister Rita Costello .....You were a kind and loving Person ...a sweet lady ....and one of the best teachers I had ever had at Erieview Catholic high school ...you will always be remembered ....you thought us how to be the women we our today ....you will be missed ..... you are now a angel up in Heaven .......wish I could pay my respects to you ....but I have no way to get there ....but I always remember you.......glad to have had you as one of my teachers ......... It
Diane Calevich
October 11, 2019
RIP Sister Rita Costello .....You were a kind and loving Person ...a sweet lady ....and one of the best teachers I had ever had at Erieview Catholic high school ...you will always be remembered ....you thought us how to be the women we our today ....you will be missed ..... you are now a angel up in Heaven .......wish I could pay my respects to you ....but I have no way to get there ....but I always remember you.......glad to have had you as one of my teachers .........
Diane Calevich
October 11, 2019
Sister Rita Costello was a very kind and loving lady and she thought her students to be the women they are today ..
So happy I had you as one of my teachers when I was at Erieview Catholic high school .....class of 1978 ...your one of Gods Angels up in Heaven .....I know I have Angels my mother ,my older Sister ,my Father .and some other very good friends of mine ...I will always remember you ........Diane Greene /Diane Calevich .....Parma heights Ohio . Cleveland Ohio ......
Diane Calevich
October 11, 2019
So sorry to hear of her passing She was a very good teacher .I was one of her students from Erieview Catholic high school Class of 1978 ....RIP Dr .Rita Costello .so.glad I had you as one my teachers ....you are a angel up in Heaven ....My Condolences to her family ....she was one of the best teachers .Diane Greene ( Diane Calevich ) ......
Melvina Leath
October 11, 2019
My condolences to the family and friends of this Lady. I was a student at Erieview when I met her
. Class of 83.
Pamela Maysent
October 11, 2019
Sister Rita was one of the best teachers.We had at at Erieview.Such a kind and loving person.Just one of the sisters.That molded us into the women we are today.RIP sweet lady.God has a new angel.
Tom Case
October 10, 2019
To my dear cousins, Monica & Maria and their families, my deepest sympathies. So many memories of family gatherings and being with Sr. Rita. The banter and teasing that went on between the five of you are memories that will never be forgotten. "St. Thomas Aquinas" was always my favorite Saint. I would tell all the nuns at St. Sebastian she was my cousin, so maybe I might have gotten a 'free pass' from some of my sins at school over the years :-). She was a beautiful person who always gave so much more than she ever received. Love and prayers to you all,
Cousin "Tommy" and Marilyn
Jennifer Lewis
October 9, 2019
A beautiful lady- I really enjoyed her at PJs every week when she came in for me to make her more beautiful if that was possible. I will miss her greatly and I was truly blessed to have known her.
Rita Ann Burdick-Covell
October 9, 2019
Sister Rita, my traveling pal and great friend of over 50 years. Rita had a loving touch with my mother during her long illness and actually everyone who came in contact with her in this life. She has fought the great battle of a long illness and won; please Continue to pray for us as we pray for you for your eternal peace and happiness.
Marilyn Skrepich
October 9, 2019
So sorry to read of her passing. I am grateful for her to be a part of my Mother's transition she gave her comfort in her last stage of cancer. May she receive all the rewards of heaven and there is no question that she will. Thank you Sister Rita.
October 9, 2019
So sorry to hear this she was my teacher at Erieview Catholic I remember her very well RIP and thank you for being one of my teachers.
John Vitz
October 7, 2019
My beloved cousin, Sister Rita, was such a shining light who reflected the Light of Christ! Rita was gentle, kind, funny, brilliant, and selfless.
Rita traveled from Ohio to California to care for my mother, her Aunt Frances, as she was dying. Rita's hospice care was just what our family needed.
As the angels carry her into the arms of Mother Mary, we will miss Sister Rita's presence in our lives, but, somehow, I know she will be with us all in spirit and in love.
Requiem Aeternam,
Cousin Johnny
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