I’ve asked my relatives to send pics and/or special memories of Aunt Rita. Here’s a start…
(from Mary, sister)
My dear friends,
My dear sister, loving friend and angel in my life has passed on this morning. She has been such an inspiration to many her whole life. She will certainly be missed by many. She wrapped her love around so many. She is now perfect. He surely was love and is love. Xoxox
(from Cara, niece)
My beautiful Aunt Rita will always be loved and remembered for the radiant and amazing women she was. Now she has moved on to a better place into the arms of angels.
(from Abby, niece through marriage)
Linc’s Aunt Rita passed away this morning due to cancer. We are blessed to have been touched by her love and kindness and our hearts and prayers go out to her husband, two sons, daughter, and their families.
(from Jane, sister)
My beautiful and amazing and sweet dear sister Rita passed on to the unseen world this morning in peace. Her journey on this planet was one of complete love. We will truly miss her but know that she will be with us forever. I know she has many important missions to tend to in her next journey. Sending love to all who ever knew her… she has made this world a much better place.
(from Kelly, niece)
I’m not good at goodbyes. I feel like I never know what to say. My Aunt Rita was an amazing person, and wish everybody I knew got to know her as well as myself and our family did. I wasn’t done learning from her yet, as I’m sure nobody was. A funny story that I will always remember that I had with her went a little something like this… Rita: ” I really loved your cake at your wedding, can I get your recipe?” Me: Ummm, well, I had a little help from “Dunkin” and “Betty.” Hee hee. Rita: that’s fine, I just really need a good recipe, I’m having a party and need to make a cake. So whats the secret? Me: lol, that was the secrete, box mix! I LOVE YOU AUNT RITA!
(from Cathy, sister-in-law)
Our precious sister Rita Howe passed away yesterday. Our hearts are heavy but we are rejoicing knowing she is with The Lord. She had a precious spirit of love and he comfort and impacted everyone she met in a wonderful way. We miss her so.
(from Katie, niece)
Yesterday my Aunt Rita lived her last day on this Earth. She was always so compassionate, kind-hearted, thoughtful, and caring. Even when she was fighting her own battles, she’d take the time to help fight yours alongside you. She has left the world a far better place. It’s hard for all of her family and friends, but I know that God has her back with Him for an eternity of bliss and peace in Heaven. Aunt Rita, you will truly be missed but you will forever live on in my heart.
(from Jim, brother)
With the passing on Monday of my dear sister Rita in Vermont, I can say what a privilege it was to be there, under the same roof, with her the few days prior to her graduation to glory.
Rita has always been an amazing and special person in my life, from the day she came home from the hospital (I was 8), to the last time I kissed her, on Monday morning.
Full of life, always “up” for some fun, rea
dy for any challenge, and oh, so loving to our entire extended family. She showed an amazing amount of energy and oozed love and concern for all around her. (Big brothers have a tough time putting in words what she meant to them, and I’m certainly no exception.)
One wonderful and special time I’ll always cherish will be her visit to us here in AZ back in March. We had her all to ourselves and loved every minute of it!
We will miss her greatly, but have the great hope of being with her again some day. Without tears, fears, pain or blemishes. Rita, I love you dearly.
Howe family: you are also quite amazing–you’re all in my prayers. Jim, Tanner & Hillery, Justin & Caroline, Julia & Trevor, and Andy–you’re all very special to me, and I love each of you.
Blessings!
(from Linc, nephew)
To all of my dear family- aunts & uncles, cousins, and, of course, Grandma Irma,
I just wanted to share my memories of my dear, sweet Auntie Rita, the best I can, as a small way of honoring her memory.
My Aunt Rita always related with me, with others, and with the world at large, with gusto, thoughtfulness, compassion, and curiosity. Her smile, her posture, her voice, her way of walking– everything about her announced “I’m engaged and alive and interested.” I never had to guess how Rita felt about me. She would always have a big hug and kiss, and several sincerely spoken compliments to dole out on me. She made me feel engaged and alive and excited about life too, just like her! Her enthusiasm and love were contagious. As a little boy, I remember how fun and crazy she was (along with my other fabulous aunties). As an awkward teenager, Rita always knew just how to encourage and cheer me on, despite my confused adolescent angst. She had a knack
for what to say, and what not to say. She was a keen observer of people, but more than that, a true lover of people. And as I became an adult, Rita never stopped cheering and engaging and delighting in all the little details of my life as a grown-up husband and dad. She instantly loved my daughters, and my wife, and enveloped them into her sphere of care too.
Aunt Rita is/was a true beauty inside and out. I had a crush on her as a little boy. And I know that “the Rita,”- that iconic classic pose that has been captured in so many Brayer photos, will be a kind of standard by which all other poses are judged! : )
My middle daughter, 5 year old Sophie, has that same look, and she equally loves to glam it up for the camera. When I see my daughter’s smile, I think of my Aunt Rita, and it makes my heart warm and achey at the same time.
And I know my aunt is more gorgeous and vivacious and engaged in giving and receiving love at this present moment, than she has ever been. I know heaven is a perfect place, but I also have no doubt that the general atmosphere of that place improved a notch or two upon her arrival. Thinking about the joy she feels right now, and the complete fulfillment of hope that she so consistently shared with all of us while she was here in bodily form- well, that gives me joy.
I love you dear Auntie. We will see each other again. In the meantime, you are dearly missed.
I love you dear family. I know there are more tears AND laughter to come, and I know that all of it is good.
Your grandson, nephew, cousin, friend,
Linc
.jpg)
.jpg)
Her love and energy and amazing spirit will never be forgotten.
.jpg)
.jpg)
