Rita Emma (Sojka) Benevides, 89, of Ellington, passed peacefully into eternal life on April 27th, surrounded by her family. Born in Rockville, she was a faithful follower of Jesus, and a wonderful woman dedicated to family and friends.
Rita was the loving wife of Francis for almost 66 years. She leaves her sons - Don and his wife Bonnie of Vernon, and Gary and his wife Lynn of Rockville; two granddaughters – Katie Hallett and her husband Chris of Northborough, MA, and Megan Fox and her husband Thaddeus of Barcelona, Spain; her brother – Leonard Sojka of Jupiter, FL; and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews.
The daughter of the late William and Anna (Grous) Sojka, she was predeceased by seven sisters and brothers – Gertude, Marion, Barbara, William, Edmund, Herbert and Donald. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Church and a graduate of their school.
Rita and Fran enjoyed touring the country in their RV for decades. At home, her kitchen table - a place for great food, cards, Farkle and board games - was a welcome place for all. Music, dancing, reading, gardening and UConn basketball were among her passions. Kindness, hospitality, generosity and love were her way of life.
Relatives and friends may join the family on Tuesday, May 3rd from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect Street, Rockville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 4th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 33 West Street, Rockville. Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Vernon. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Joseph Church in Rita’s memory. For online condolences, please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com
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