Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Rita Vergara Obituary
Born to Rafael Ornelas, Sr. and Amparo Ornelas on March 17, 1937, Rita Vergara passed away peacefully on November 9, 2021.
A native San Franciscan, Rita Ornelas attended St. Charles Grammar School and graduated from Mission High School in 1955. It was at Mission that Rita met her future husband, Sal Vergara. The only trouble she got into at Mission was in typing class, when instead of doing the lesson, Rita would type notes to Sal and pass them to him on the other side of the room. The two married on November 17, 1956; although they divorced in 1990 after 34 years of marriage, Rita and Sal remained friends. Their son Robert was born in 1958 and their daughter Vanessa in 1960.
After working briefly as a secretary at M. Greenberg's Sons, the San Francisco foundry that had its roots in the Gold Rush and where her father worked for many years, Rita became a full-time homemaker. That home was always beautiful and full of life — and pets. Family and friends were always welcome there. Rita continued her hospitality after she relocated to Sonoma County, where she lived the last two decades of her life.
She loved her family very much and we loved her even more. No one had a better mother.
We are grateful to the wonderful people of Sutter Care at Home Hospice, who took such good care of our mom in her final months.
A Mass in celebration of Rita's life will be held on Saturday, December 4, at 1:30 p.m. at Star of the Valley Catholic Church, 545 White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa. Masks are required. Reception to follow at Rita's house. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a hospice in your area.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Vergara
3 Entries
Karen Smith Malliaras
December 15, 2023
I'm sorry to come across this obituary. I searched Rita's name because the Lavezzo's and I got together for a Christmas lunch and it was said my monthly decoration changes reminded them of Rita and I said "that's probably where I got it from. That and making cream puffs that Rita would make for me."
Fond memories I have of Rita and growing up on Murray Street.
May Rita Rest in Peace I will think of her as I often have when making cream puffs or decorating.
Rosendo Marin
February 14, 2023
Rosendo Marin
November 25, 2021
We pray for your soul. Offered Thanksgiving Day Mass for you this morning. You were the toast of Mission High School. Our love to all your family.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Rita Vergara's name
Memorial Events
for Rita Vergara
How to support Rita's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Rita Vergara's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
