Rita Sophie Andersen, 84, of Clearwater, FL, formerly of New Port Richey, FL passed away on Monday, December 3, 2012 at Mease Countryside Hospital.
Born in Chicago, IL, she moved to New Port Richey from Bensenville, IL in 1989. She was a homemaker and active member of First Baptist Church of New Port Richey. She attended events at the Elfers Senior Center and she enjoyed dancing, especially the Polka. Her favorite meal was dessert, but most of all, she loved her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 50 years, Alfred “Al” Andersen. Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl Anne (Mark) Dopp of Seminole, FL; two sons, Clayton Steven Andersen of New Port Richey and Robert James (Kathy) Andersen of Lombard, IL; brother, Gerald (Helen) Budzisz of New Port Richey; sister, Theresa Pawlicki of St. Charles, IL; nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
A gathering of friends and family will be 10 AM, on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jim Black.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760, www.thehospice.org.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Grandma Burrito, you touched our lives with your kind heart and fiery sense of humor. We will miss your charm and hold your memory close in our hearts as we treasure the time we spent together over the years. Cheryl and Clay, I am truly sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort in knowing that she is at peace with the Lord. Candi, you know we are here for you and your family always. We love you all.
Grandma Rita,
Your smile lit up the room! It was always a pleasure to know that we would see you at one of Candi’s parties or events. You were a fun-loving woman who always had a great story for us. You will be greatly missed! My love and prayers for the family. Peace be with you.
Love,
Beth, Manny, Carsen and Dante
Mom you are my sunshine, and I am yours. You will be with me wherever I go. You are a good friend who made me the person I am. Thank you and I will see you again. Love Clay
Although I didn’t know her well I did have the privilege to meet her. Good bless.
My thoughts and prayers go out to those closest to Rita. It’s been years since I’ve seen her, but I can always picture her smile! I remember my grandma Grabinger, Rita’s sister Margaret, always seemed the most happy when Rita and Al came to visit. I really enjoyed it too! May the memories of many happy years comfort you all in this difficult time.
Cheryl,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!! What a loving fantastic daughter you were! I hope that loving memories will comfort you all~
Peace and Love,
Allison
Dearest Clay and family,I am so sad and deeply sorry for your loss.I am sorry I never have a chance to meet your mother,although I have written to you (and to her) in our emails for so long.Reading about her I really felt how wonderful person she was.She was such a sweet and kind lady and i will always remember her beautiful,happy smile that she always displayed in all of her photos. I cant even begin to imagaine what you are going through and how difficult all this must be for you.Please know that i am always there for you and you are not alone.My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
“In Love and Sympathy” Marissy.
I can still hear Aunt Rita’s uplifting laughter. God Bless her happy soul!
I am married to Rita’s nephew, Eddie. Back in 1982 when he and I started dating, I remember that Rita was the first family member that Ed took me to meet. She made me feel so at ease, and welcome into her family, I have never forgotten that. She was one of those woman who I never heard say a bad word about anyone and her love for her family was present in everything she did. I am so lucky to have spent time with Rita.
Cheryl We are so sad about the passing of your mother.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May fond memories help heal your heart.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You are one special person whom showed alot of Love and caring for your mother, and I’m sure she will always look down upon you and keep you safe from her special place in Heaven. Sincerely , Brenda and Frank
So glad to know that Rita is with her Savior! What a blessing to know.
Love, Faye and Larry
AUNT RITA-SO SPECIAL.She had a way of making others feel special too.I’ll always remember you lovingly.
Sister Rita(really my sisterinlaw) I feel so privilege that you and Alfred open your arms welcome me into your family and always considered me your Sister even at the end told me again. I Love you dear one you will always hold a special part in my heart. I will not say good bye but see you later. Love Helen
Cheryl, Robert and Clayton, I have fond memories or your mom and the times our families got together. Your mom was such lovely woman, I know you will miss her like I miss my dad. I know the two will meet in heaven a will be forever in our hearts. Much Love, your cousin Susan Nawrocki Simmons
To Cheryl and Clayton, Our deepest sympathy to all your family with the loss of your Mom. She truly was a special lady. I remember your visits to us on the farm in Wisconin. She not only loved people but she seems to enjoy all the animals on the farm also. Both your Mom and Dad enjoyed life and each other. You kids were lucky to have great parents. Know that our thoughts & prayers are with you all…and that we’ll see them in Heaven some day! With love……The Romanowski family