Rita Nora Passarella

Rita Nora Passarella September 16, 1922- April 28, 2019 Rita Nora Passarella, nee Lynch, of Annapolis, MD, passed away on April 28, 2019. Born on September 16, 1922, and educated in Washington, D.C., graduating from Notre Dame Academy. Rita was thrilled that her class met First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt for a class luncheon at the White House. It was an event and opportunity that she relished and enjoyed recalling. During World War II, Rita helped the war effort during her service with the Railway Express Company. She later worked as a manager in human resources for St. Jude Shrine, in Baltimore, MD. In October 1947, she met and married the love of her life, Nicholas (Nick) J. Passarella, who had served with the U.S. Army during the war and who was wounded- and awarded the Purple Heart- during the invasion of Normandy. Rita and beloved husband were married for 63 years until his passing in 2011. Rita was a gentle soul, full of life, humor and immense strength who was the primary care-giver for her husband for many years before his passing. She was a spring of hope and fortitude. She love dancing from the early years of jitterbug through her square dancing times as a member of the Rodgers Forge Women's Club. Thirsting for knowledge in many forms, Rita enjoyed traveling, reading, and theater. According to those who knew and loved her, her beautiful blue eyes watched over them and made them laugh. One of her favorite expressions- "so far so good." In addition to her husband, Nick, she was preceded in death by her loving parents, Patrick J. Lynch and Mary Agnes Curtin, and two siblings, John and Peg. She is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Noreen Lynch- an Administrative Judge with the Department of Defense of Annapolis, MD. Noreen, with her mothers approval, wishes to thank Rita's loving and tireless home caregivers over the past years, including Andrea, Yolandra, Danielle, Lachelle, Tines, Alisa, Gloria, and Makieta, as well as the Hospice of the Chesapeake and Heartlands. In addition, she received extraordinary support from the Chesapeake Life Center, including the Chaplin, for their compassionate grief counseling following her husband Nick's passing. Special mention for her dear friend Sue who visited her every Sunday. Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized, but Rita will be buried with her husband, Nick, in the Arlington National Cemetery, at a date and time to be determined. Donations in Rita Passarella's name can be made to Sharp Again Naturally, of Larchmont, NY.

Rita Nora Passarella

September 16, 1922 - April 28, 2019