Rita Barsotta's Obituary
BARSOTTA, RITA Rita Barsotta (nee Tiseo) was born on May 24, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan. She was one of seven children and the second daughter born to Teresa and Natale Tiseo, who emigrated from Italy in 1950. Growing up, Rita was part of a large extended family that resided in the greater Detroit area. After graduating from high school Rita became an accomplished florist, a skill she continued to use up until her illness. Rita married William Barsotta on November 30,1974. Shortly after the birth of their first child in 1988, Rita and her family moved to Dallas, TX, where they joined her parents who had moved there two years earlier. Together they built a home in Richardson . Once there, Rita quickly made lifelong friendships with other parents in the neighborhood who were also raising young children. She was a proud parent; relishing the years she spent raising her two children, Justin and Elisa, who were her pride and joy. The strong bonds established during these years continued to be extremely important to her and her children, and provided a great comfort as her illness progressed. An active parent, Rita became a volunteer at her children’s school, Mendenhall Primary School in Plano. Her empathy and dedication led the school to offer her a paid position in 2002. She went on to receive a degree in special education to better serve the needs of the students in her care. While challenging work, Rita formed meaningful relationships with each new group of special needs students she supported. Rita’s co-worker and dear friend, Sharon Eaheart, shared Rita’s dedication to the children that they served and together they offered each other support and encouragement. Rita remained employed until late last year when she retired. One of the last events Rita was able to attend was her mother’s 90th birthday celebration in February. Working closely with her sister-in-law Debbie Tiseo, Rita was central to the planning of the event. Rita and Debbie had a history of working closely together and their friendship exceeded the bounds of family. At one time they even operated a small business together that sold customized gift baskets for all occasions. Teresa Tiseo’s birthday celebration was a wonderful event attended by all 35 members of her immediate family, along with other close friends and family. Rita passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2012 from cancer. She is survived by her husband William Barsotta and children Justin and Elisa Barsotta. Rita also leaves her mother, six siblings, 14 nieces and nephews, 2 great-nieces and 1 great nephew. A caring and committed friend, she will be missed by all who knew her.
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