Angela "Rita" Agnew

na - 2007

BORN

DIED

2007

Angela Agnew Obituary

Angela "Rita" Agnew, 83, a 24-year resident of the Ventura area and Hueneme Bay, died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, while undergoing rehabilitation at a local community care center. The cause of her death was cancer.

Mrs. Agnew was known for her lifelong interest in the music of the Great American Songbook and her impressive recollection of its songs and lyrics. She was the constant companion of her husband, a writer for the Los Angeles Jazz Scene, as they attended jazz events throughout Southern California.

She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Caroline and Paul Trentanelli, and was graduated from public schools in that city's suburban Shaker Heights. She was the surviving member of a family of seven children. She and her husband-to-be, Robert, first met in July 1946 and married in September 1947. In May 1948 the couple came to Los Angeles when the company for whom Robert worked, The Cleveland Twist Drill Company, brought him to manage its Los Angeles office.

Future job transfers involved four years in South San Francisco and finally an additional seven years in Cleveland prior to retirement in 1982 and a return to California.

During her earlier years, Mrs. Agnew volunteered much of her time to registering voters and participating in Assembly and Congressional district political activities while living in East Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Southwest Los Angeles and Glendale. She was a celebrated cook, a loving mother and will be remembered by her many friends for her ready smile.

In addition to her husband, Robert, she is survived by daughter, Linda Sorensen, of Waianae, Hawaii; son, John Agnew, of Port Hueneme; and granddaughters, Lauren Agnew, of Philadelphia, Pa. and Danielle Agnew of Charlotte, N.C.

At Mrs. Agnew's request, there will be no services.

Memorial contributions in Angela "Rita" Agnew's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, Ventura County Chapter, 250 West Citrus Grove, Suite 200, Oxnard, CA 93036, or to a favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.

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

Published by Ventura County Star on Feb. 4, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Angela Agnew

9 Entries

Kimberly Ford

March 6, 2007

Our loss of Rita Agnew will be felt by many. Her warmth and enthusiasm for jazz, and everyone in her vast musical circles was so contagiuos. Rita, we will miss your warm glow.

Sandy Cummings

February 23, 2007

Dear Bob and Family:

I was so sorry to hear about your loss and the loss to the musicians she seemed to love so much. Her kindness to me will never be forgotten -- her smiles, her hugs and her sheer delight in the music. I was honored to have known her.

Hank Allen

February 22, 2007

Rita, I will miss you and will remember your kindness.

Rita and Bob Agnew, SBJS Event at SoHo, Santa Barbara, CA

Jan McBride

February 22, 2007

Rita, I always thought I'd see you again. You are one of those eternal people; someone who doesn't say good-bye. I will miss seeing you at one of the many jazz events you attended with your loving husand, Bob, and son, John. What I will remember most about you is how you could draw others to you, with your kindness and sincerity. And that smile -- Rita, it was simply contagious. I should know, I've had the pleasure of photographing it, along with those full-of-life brown eyes. Moreover, I've felt the love behind them. I bet you're enjoying the company of other family and friends. Perhaps, you're with them now, attending a heavenly musical event; listening to one of the great jazz legends, or other musical talent -- with a backstage pass, no doubt. Lucky you. Lucky me. Lucky all of those of us who know and love you, cuz we'll see you again one day. Save us a place at your table, you hear. Love, Jan McBride

ReVay Seifert

February 18, 2007

"Rita, Was There Anyone Sweeta?"

We will miss you and look forward to our great reunion in heaven.

Linda Sorensen

February 11, 2007

Rita was my Mother and my greatest advisor. She was the most loving, caring, big hearted woman I have ever known. She has left a huge void in my life and I will miss her for the rest of my life. She went fast and without suffering and she is now blessed by God and with him and the rest of her family that went before her. I love you Mom.

February 5, 2007

Everyone in the LA/Ventura jazz community will surely miss Rita's smiling face, which lit up the room wherever she went. God bless Rita Agnew.

Mitch Holder & Family

Michelle Agnew

February 4, 2007

Rita was an amazing caring, loving woman. She was more then my mother in law she was my friend. I am blessed to have had her in my life.

Chet and Karen Ciechanowski

February 4, 2007

Although we did not get to know Rita very well on a personal level, we would frequently see her and Bob at various jazz events around the area, as well as most weekends at the old California 66 restaurant. We are sad to hear of Rita's passing, and send our deepest condolences to her beloved husband, Bob.

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