Sunday, June 16, 2024
Memories of Rita Clement
Rita was my next older sister, two years older than I. Being a boy, I was not Rita’s close playmate. Our older sister, Mary, was closer to Rita. My earliest memories of all of us together were when our father took us to the beach in the summer and we played in the sand and the water.
Rita was considered the most intelligent of the children and our dad was proud of her scholastic accomplishments. She put herself through Nazareth College by scholarships and working, living at home and traveling to her classes on the city bus. Rita was a Math teacher in Rochester public schools. To increase her pay, she attended the University of Rochester night school where she earned her Master’s degree.
Rita visited us several times at our home in San Diego and we enjoyed having her and her family with us. During the last several years of her life, we frequently phoned Rita and chatted about our respective health conditions and handling life challenges, our memories, and our families.
Rita was a loving and caring sister. She will be missed.
John I. Valerio (Brother)
