Sister Jo Rita Fertitta, O.P.

Sister Jo Rita Fertitta, O.P. entered eternal life on Wednesday, October 30, 2013. Sister was born in Beaumont to the late Charles J. and Josephine Fertitta on January 15, 1928. After graduation from St. Anthony High School, Sr. Jo Rita joined the Dominican Sisters of Houston on September 30, 1945. She was predeceased by her siblings Joseph (“Pep”), Marietta, and Charles, Jr. She is survived by her sisters Olivia Serio and Charlene Busceme (Carlo), many nieces and nephews and great and great-great nieces and nephews whose affection for her was obvious.

Sr. Jo Rita earned her BA at Dominican College in Houston and her Masters at Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Her love of teaching and dedication to her students extended over 60 years, fulfilling assignments in Houston at Queen of Peace, Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, and Seton Jr. High/Assumption; Holy Rosary (Rosenberg); St. Mary (Galveston); St. Elizabeth (Port Neches); and St. Mary (Orange). In Galveston and Port Neches she served as both principal and teacher. Her junior high students recognized their excellent math background when they entered high school and returned to thank her.

Sister served as Directress of Formation of the young sisters from 1964-68.

Her artistic talent was widely known, and she found a ready market for her landscapes, bluebonnets/flowers, and requested themes, as well as her needlework.

Her body will be welcomed at St. Dominic Villa on Sunday, November 3, at 4:00 p.m. Wake service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Sunday. Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 4, Msgr. Salvadore Culotta presiding. All services are at St. Dominic Villa. Rite of Committal will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, donations may be made to Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 6501 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77021.