Dedicated to the memory of Rita Arvizu
Rita Arvizu, 82, of Albuquerque and formerly of Socorro, NM, was called home to meet her Heavenly Father on December 11, 2020. She was one of ten children born to the late Manuel and Elisa Arvizu.
Rita was a dedicated mother who treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She cherished her brothers and sisters and was grateful to have grown up with so many siblings.
Her professional career included retail sales, bookkeeping, and her true calling as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). She found fulfillment by making a positive difference in someone else’s life. As a professional caregiver she was gentle, kind and dedicated to the many clients who had the good fortune to be in her care. In her spare time she enjoyed reading, sometimes devouring as many as three books a week, and anyone who knew her knew her favorite thing to do was dance!
Rita leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Elaine Sárate Richardson; son, Leo Michael (Jolinda Chavez) Sarate; sisters, Dora (Jimmy) Chavez, Helen Rivera, Rose (Terry)Truitt, Eloise (Pedro) Valdez, Jennie (Pedro) Baldonado; brothers, Henry (Cecilia) Arvizu, and Martin (Rebekah) Arvizu; sister-in-law, Josie Arvizu; former son-in-law, Harry Richardson; grandchildren, Aaron Richardson, Noelle (Eric Joseph) Richardson, Autumn (Gabriel) Murillo, Amber Sarate, Trinity Chavez; great-grandsons, Wesley Joseph, Luke Elizondo; great-granddaughter, Kiera Joseph; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother’s, Manuel Arvizo, Jr. , Ernest Arvizu and former husband, Leonce Sarate.
Memorial services and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when larger public gatherings are permitted. Rita’s family is grateful for their family and friends. Since we are unable to gather at this time, please leave messages and memories of love and support on this website.
Rita was a dedicated mother who treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She cherished her brothers and sisters and was grateful to have grown up with so many siblings.
Her professional career included retail sales, bookkeeping, and her true calling as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). She found fulfillment by making a positive difference in someone else’s life. As a professional caregiver she was gentle, kind and dedicated to the many clients who had the good fortune to be in her care. In her spare time she enjoyed reading, sometimes devouring as many as three books a week, and anyone who knew her knew her favorite thing to do was dance!
Rita leaves to cherish her memory, daughter, Elaine Sárate Richardson; son, Leo Michael (Jolinda Chavez) Sarate; sisters, Dora (Jimmy) Chavez, Helen Rivera, Rose (Terry)Truitt, Eloise (Pedro) Valdez, Jennie (Pedro) Baldonado; brothers, Henry (Cecilia) Arvizu, and Martin (Rebekah) Arvizu; sister-in-law, Josie Arvizu; former son-in-law, Harry Richardson; grandchildren, Aaron Richardson, Noelle (Eric Joseph) Richardson, Autumn (Gabriel) Murillo, Amber Sarate, Trinity Chavez; great-grandsons, Wesley Joseph, Luke Elizondo; great-granddaughter, Kiera Joseph; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother’s, Manuel Arvizo, Jr. , Ernest Arvizu and former husband, Leonce Sarate.
Memorial services and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when larger public gatherings are permitted. Rita’s family is grateful for their family and friends. Since we are unable to gather at this time, please leave messages and memories of love and support on this website.
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Thoughts
To My Dear Rita,
My first memory of you was, with Leonce by your side, interviewing me to determine if you wanted me as son in law or to marry your Precious Daughter Elaine. Yet, once you did, I was never an in law, or outlaw to you, I was your “son in Love”. You’d tell me and others you loved me as one of your own. I was always invited and included in your parents family for get togethers with your siblings to celebrate Holidays, Weddings and Funerals.
My special memories of you include your commitment to your children and grandkids. You purchased more children's clothing for Aaron & Noelle than Elaine and I did. You made and repaired things we all still use and treasure. Oh my, Rita, before we knew it you were a Great Grandmother, great and grand described you so well they called you GG.
My favorite memory of your love and dedication to others; was when you worked at Socorro’ Good Sam. There I watched how you cared for my grandfather and the other golden residents there. How their faces would light up when you came in the room. They all felt your love and care as if you were their own daughter. I remember after your heart procedure, I had the opportunity to be your helper. I made our favorite Spanish food favorites with low fat & salt.
I remember the recent years and blessings of technology. With your phone you kept up with your family, even your 3 year old great granddaughter who would periodically FaceTime you just to chat. I have saved and appreciate all your texts with me; making sure I was okay and all the stories and photos we shared.
Rita, those you leave behind are grieving your loss and so desperately miss your touch, voice and texts. Yet, my old friend, you have not truly passed until the last of our family has spoken your name and cherished your memory. In passing, Heaven only knows if there is a reception upon your Spirits arrival. If as quoted “I go to make for you”, I can only imagine the joy and celebration of your arrival by all of those who have passed before you. I have no doubt they have prepared a Heavenly home for you.
Know that your spirit and loving memories will remain with me always; this is not adios, it’s ¡Hasta luego!
Form your second son, with love to his second Mother.
~harry
harry
10th January 2021
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Sent by MuchLoved on 31/12/2020