Rita Kathleen Forsythe

Rita Kathleen (Rounds) Forsythe has crossed the finish line with legions of admirers. The light of our lives has dimmed and another treasure from the greatest generation has passed. Rita passed away peacefully at the age of 91, surrounded by love and in the presence of family on May 26, 2014 in Santa Rosa, CA. She was born Jan. 30, 1923 in Clermont, IA, the only daughter of Elizabeth (Burke) and George Rounds. She graduated from St. Mary's School of Nursing in Rochester, MN. Rita dutifully served in the U.S. Army Nurses Corp during WWll as a second lieutenant in the Pacific Theater. While stationed on the islands of Guam and Saipan, she met the love of her life, Capt. William Hart Forsythe, a US Marine. After the war, they married and eventually relocated to Santa Rosa in 1953, where they made a loving home in Montgomery Village and resided until her death. Rita worked as a registered nurse at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for more than twenty years then was asked to become an instructor in the Licensed Vocational Nursing Program at Santa Rosa Junior College, retiring in 1987. She was past president of the District 15 California Nurses Association, and was awarded as one of the "Women of the Year" in 1979 by the National Women's History Project. She was a woman of strong faith. As longtime members of the Cathedral of St. Eugene, her and Hart were devout parishioners and often attended daily Mass. Rita was a seventh generation level blood-line descendant of the Billington Family aboard the Mayflower and was proud of her membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Rita is survived by her brother Daniel, children Kathy (Bob) McCarter, John Forsythe, Gordon Forsythe, Mary (Dennis) Gonnella, and Barbara Rose (Steve). She is also survived by grandchildren Cheryl, Rob, Amy, Kyle, Jenelle, Joel, Jeffrey, Colin and Kevin and seven great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband Hart in 2003, son Bill, grandson Justin, and brother's, George and James. Rita unconditionally loved and adored her family and was blessed to have been present at each of her grandchild's birth. With her Irish heritage, Rita was known for her warm and genuine hospitality, delightful storytelling and extending friendly greetings to everyone she encountered. She enjoyed quilting, card games, and attending family sporting events. Consistent with her generous spirit and sense of service, Rita volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul Dining Room every week for more than twenty years. Rita was a natural leader and benevolent matriarch who dedicated her life to serving her country, community, church and family. She will be dearly missed. Family and Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, June 4 at 10:00AM at St. Eugene's Cathedral (Corner of Farmer's Lane and Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, CA, 95405). Reception immediately following. Private interment; Sacred Heart Lawn, Calvary Catholic Cemetery (2930 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA, 95404). As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests memorial contributions to a nursing scholarship being established in Rita's name at the SRJC Vocational Nursing Program (SRJC Foundation, 1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA, 95401).