Obituary of Rita Florian

Rita Frances Case Florian passed away on 11/11/2014 after 96 years of living a life filled with many laughs over drinks, songs, cooking and most importantly, family. Rita was born on 10/30/1918 in Sacramento where she attended Holy Angels, St. Josephs Academy and Healds College. In 1958, Rita and her husband, Marvin Case and their 5 children moved to Santa Cruz where they ran Mom & Pop grocery markets for over 20 years. When Rita retired, her house was always filled with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, in-laws and friends. Her laughter was contagious and her positive attitude always made those who met her leave with a smile on their face. Rita was married for the second time in her 70's to Jim (Dutch) Florian. They were both active members in the California Grey Bears and spent much of their time delivering food to seniors. You could never leave Rita's house without having a beer and a toast, "HERE'S TO THOSE THAT WISH US WELL AND THE REST OF THEM CAN GO TO HELL." Rita is survived by her 3 daughters, Marveen Kressman and Michelle Spano of Santa Cruz, Rita Zanotto of Reno and 2 sons, Marvin (Buddy) Case of San Diego and Richard Case of Santa Cruz, her step-daughters, Sandy Vinson and Paulette Quam both of Sacramento, 17 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and numerous other family. She was preceded in death by Marvin Case and Jim (Dutch) Florian and her brothers, Frances and Jack Schwander. The Mass for Rita will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Holy Cross Church, 126 High St. in Santa Cruz beginning at 12 pm. The burial will immediately follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2271 7th Ave in Santa Cruz. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 21, 2014 at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St. in Santa Cruz from 5:00 – 6:30 pm, with the Rosary beginning at 7 pm. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to leave a condolence for Rita's family.