Obituary of Rita Elsie Ceschi

Rita Pine Ceschi Rita Else Pine Ceschi passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 21stat Countryside Villa in Watsonville, California. Rita was born in Hanford California May 22nd 1918, the daughter of Mary and Anthony Pine. As a young girl Rita was a member of the Santa Cruz Portuguese Society. She was an attendant to the Queen and represented Santa Cruz at other society parades throughout California. Rita graduated from Santa Cruz High School. She lettered in women's softball as a pitcher. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister, Anthony Pine and Marie Aiken, and by her husband Dino Ceschi. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Ceschi Cobun and her son-in-law Charles Cobun. Rita was a business woman and a single Mom. She owned and operated a successful local motel for many years. She participated in the Chamber of Commerce and contributed to the community. Rita was an active member of the Daisy and the Y.L.I. She volunteered her time to help others and to support the Catholic Church and it's various Charities. During the holidays she would dress as Mrs. Santa Claus and visit those confined to nursing homes where she distributed large doses of Holiday Cheer and small gifts and treats. She actively participated in activities sponsored by the Y.L.I to raise money such as the annual bazaars and fashion shows. Rita was a strong supporter of our men and women serving in the military. She contributed money to the Paralyzed Veterans as she believed that those who were injured during their service in the military deserved the best of care and rehabilitation to become the active and participating members of society. It would be her wishes that, rather than send flowers, a contribution be made in her name to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or visit www.dav.org. A viewing is scheduled at Pacific Gardens Chapel on Thursday 2 September from 3PM to 6PM. Services will be held at the Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 515 Frederick St., Santa Cruz, CA at 10AM on Friday 3 September after which the interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Santa Cruz, CA. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to sign the online guest book for Rita's family.