Rita Marie Felix

Rita Marie Felix, aged 72 of Benicia, CA passed away June 8, 2012 with her loyal friends and family at her bedside. Rita was born in Oakland, CA on February 27, 1940 to Manuel and Frances (Tavares) Felix. At age 11, Rita started to attend Camp Whitaker, later named BearSkin Meadow, a summer camp for young diabetics that is based in the Sequoia National Forest. She spent every summer going to the camp and as a young adult she participated as a camp counselor in the summer camp program. Rita graduated from Holy Names College in 1962. She taught English, History and Drama at Redwood Jr. High School in Napa, CA for 34 years. After retiring she spent much of her time traveling through out the USA, Canada, the British Isles, Europe, South Africa, Australia and parts of the South Pacific. Rita served for 30 years as a member and officer of the Board of Directors for Brand New Sound, Inc. A youth community show choir, based in Contra Costa County. She traveled as trip chaperone with these aspiring stage performers through 7 states, Canada, and Mexico. They performed in Disneyland 8 times in 25 years as well as local festivals, events, concerts and local TV shows. Rita's passion in life was her active participation in the International Training and Communications (ITC) Organization. ITC's purpose was to help people develop their public speaking and presentation skills. Rita worked her way up through the organization to become Chapter, District and State Presidents; she became International President in 1995. Rita is survived a sister, Clara George, a brother, Ronald Seymour and by her lifelong friend, companion and caregiver Jeanie Brown. She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers, James and Manuel Tsurnos and her sister, Betty Goulart. A Memorial Mass will be held 10:00 a.m Thursday, June 14th at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, 475 East I Street, Benicia. Rita's ashes will be interred with her parents at St. Mary's Cemetery, Oakland, CA. Donations may be made to Diabetic Youth Foundation, 5167 Clayton Road, Concord, Holy Names University, or to a charity of your choice. Please visit the online tribute at www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com

Rita Marie Felix

February 27, 1940 - June 8, 2012