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I was fortunate to grow up next door to Rita and her family. My memories of Rita have her dressed perfectly, driving her cool car. I always thought it was neat that a mom would drive such a nice car! Her rose lined driveway is always something that I admired and still think about and would love to replicate. My mom often talked about how Rita helped her and taught her so much when she moved in next door as a very young wife and mother. Rita - you will be missed. Rest in Peace. Cheryl Spilman Mosby

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Don Berry
14 years ago

When Sandy & I were first married back in 1979 we would frequently be invited for dinner with the rest of the family. I had my place at the table and my assignment was to pass the garlic bread when needed. After a few years I become comfortable with the family and one evening made some out of pocket remark. Nothing real gross but it made Mom uncomfortable and she chewed me out right in front of everyone. I bowed my head and said nothing in my defense. I cordially accepted my punishment. Well, after that I actually felt like I was one of the family. That’s when I started calling her Mom. We became best of friends and used to refer to each other as “My favorite Son-in-Law” and “My favorite Mother-in-Law.” Of course there was only one of each. Many years later Mom came to live with us. After some conversations I became aware that she was not happy with the thought of going to a Nursing Home. With all the sincerity in my heart I told her one day that as long as I was alive she would never have to live in a Nursing Home and would always have a place to stay in our house. That seemed to comfort her a lot and I think she was happy during her stay with us. She loved children, especially her grandchildren, so on Halloween we put a witches hat on her and sat her in the front door with a bowl of candy and she delved out the treats to all the children in the neighborhood. She loved it. The doctor ordered Mom to be put in a Nursing Home because we couldn’t take proper care of her when she started losing her balance & falling. She needed care 24/7. When I went in her room to visit she looked up at me and said; “How did I end up here”? Well, she wasn’t smiling when she said it. I felt soooo guilty. I explained the best I could about the doctor not allowing her to stay at home but I still felt bad. Sandy got her out of the Nursing Home and into the Assisted Living. She didn’t like it at first but soon found it was like living in her own home and being taken care of 24/7 by caring staff. It was not like a Nursing Home at all….. She was a grand lady who will remain in my heart for the remainder of my life. I have many fond memories of her, too many to even record and will miss her terribly. Rest in Peace Mom…… Don Berry, her favorite son-in-law

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Albert Faccini
14 years ago

Grandma sure was GREAT!!!! I remember growing up and she'd cook for the entire family. She taught me to love food, cooking and entertaining. Later in life, I was overjoyed when she came to stay at my house and I cooked for her. WOW!!!!! Full circle for sure. I'm so glad she got to know my kids and them her. I'll always love her!

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Shirley Capellino
14 years ago

I have always felt so happy to have known Rita! She was such a love and Sandy was so sweet to share, as my mom passed away quite some time ago. I always looked forward to seeing her and I was warmly greeted with a wonderful smile and a little teasing here and there. Sandy was amazing with Mom and I love to tease her and remind her that since I'm older than she, i want her to take care of me in my later years. I will miss Mom very much and she will always be in my heart. With love from, Shirley

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

Mom was just the best mom. She always tried to give her children everything possible that they wanted. She lived to sew & made clothes for me & doll clothes for my dolls. She loved working in her garden, tending to her roses, azaleas & rhododendrons, watching the birds & deer (until they ate her flowers) in the yard. She always took us on fun vacations even if dad had to work. We spent a lot of time at Clear Lake & Russian River. Mom drove her 64 1/2 Mustang convertible all around town along with her two El Cerrito sisters & their 65 Mustangs. She always made time for big family dinners & spent much time visiting & helping her mother & mother in law. In her later years she came to live with me & my husband. She spent 3 years with us. She & my husband were best of buddies. When she became non ambulatory she moved to Cypress Meadows Assisted Living close to us & had a happy life there as well.

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

Rita in 1935

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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Sandy Faccini Berry
14 years ago

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