Rita Marie Casias

Rita Casias, 74, a woman of tremendous strength and grace, passed away on June 2, 2016 at her home in Rio Rancho, NM. Born in Cleveland, OH, Rita spent her formative years in San Diego and, no matter where she lived, she carried the ocean waves in her heart. She leaves behind the legacy of her profound and unconditional love of her family. She was her husband Robert's sweetheart of 56 years and will forever be his "red-headed beauty in the galway green sweater." She was the nurturing mom who created a beautiful home for her three children, Marc, Steven, and Lisa, and throughout their lives served as their cherished friend, trusted advisor, and biggest cheerleader. She possessed insatiable curiosity about the world and relished her late-night conversations with her son-in-law Jeff about politics and philosophy. She was unabashedly proud of her six "nearly-perfect" grandchildren, Joseph, Paul, Kimberlee, Alexander, Mila, and Eric, and was thrilled to welcome her great-grandson Caleb into the world. She was the beloved sister to four brothers, Robert, Eugene, Allen, and Michael, whom they claim she kept in line for seven decades. She worked tirelessly at her careers in human resources, office management, and real estate. She volunteered in her community and late in life discovered the calling that brought her great joy - helping struggling second graders learn to read. Rita treasured her circle of soul-sister friends. She always counted her blessings and she never left the house without lipstick. She believed that goodness and truth ultimately prevail and that happiness is a choice. She was greatly loved and will be missed beyond words.
Rita was predeceased by her dear mother, Marie; father, Eugene; brother, Raymond, and daughter-in-law, Lori. Rita's family extends its warmest thanks to Dr. Carolyn Muller and the staff at UNM Cancer Center for their outstanding care throughout her journey. A celebration of Rita's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita Casias' name to Joy Junction Homeless Shelter, www.joyjunction.org.
FRENCH - Westside
9300 Golf Course Rd NW
505-897-0300