Rita Ann Pillsbury 's Obituary
Rita Ann Wichner Grant Pillsbury
Born April 24, 1931
Rita Pillsbury passed away peacefully on March 20, 2020 at the age of 88, surrounded by her loving family. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, Rita succumbed to the illness and is now in Heaven with her Mother, Father and all her loved ones that have preceded her in death. Rita has touched many, many lives throughout her time on earth. Everyone who has ever encountered her grace is a better person based upon their interactions with her: a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and the heart of an angel. Rita never met a stranger and was the most giving, selfless person, always putting others ahead of herself. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Rita was born in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania where she graduated high school. Rita then attended and graduated nursing school at Nesbitt Hospital in Kingston, Pennsylvania.
Rita met her first husband, Richard, in New York City while she was working as a Nurse at Cornell University, New York City Hospital, and they married in 1956. Rita and Richard had 6 children together and moved to Dallas, Texas in 1975. Rita and Richard divorced soon after the move. While working at Richardson Medical Center (Nurse of the Year 1977), Rita met Dr. Bryant Pillsbury and they married in 1979. They were married until Dr. Pillsbury’s death in 2008.
Shortly after, Rita sold the home and moved to Highland Spring’s Senior Living Community, about a mile away. This was a fantastic decision and she was very happy to live in her new “condo”. A few years later, Rita was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and could not live on her own any longer. We found a wonderful soul, Melissa, to assist in Rita’s care for the first year or so, but as the disease progressed, Rita needed additional assistance. After construction was completed at Highland Springs’ new Memory Care Facility at Fountain View, Rita was honored to be the first resident. Rita was chauffeured to Fountain View in a white limousine with a red-carpet welcome. Rita felt and acted like a movie star, while being greeted by the employees that lined the red-carpet.
Rita’s family would like to thank ALL the associates that assisted with Rita’s care throughout the many years (7+). Rita has seen many residents and associates “come and go” during this time, for which we are all very grateful. Rita’s daughter, Janet, has taken very special care of our Mother for years. Janet has spent countless hours painting nails, brushing and flossing teeth, doing laundry, ironing clothes and just pampering Mom. For this, from all of us, THANK YOU for what you have done to make Mom as comfortable as possible.
Rita is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Dr. William and Janice Dimattia of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, her six loving children: Susan, Janet, Dan, Bob, Ken & Martha (daughter-in law), and Kathy. Twelve grandchildren: (Rita was their Nana/Nana Noo Noo), Ben, Loren, Daniel, Derek, Emory, Christian, Ashley, Matthew, Jennifer, Ryan, Julia, and Evan. Five great grandchildren: Shawn, Carson, Henry, Jada and a baby girl due in August.
Due to COVID-19, the family will hold a private ceremony at Restland Funeral Home and will Celebrate Rita’s life with a memorial service when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
What’s your fondest memory of Rita ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rita ?
Share a story where Rita 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rita you’ll never forget.
How did Rita make you smile?