Zita obtained her nursing certificate in India and began her nursing ministry caring for Irish sisters in a Catholic convent. In her late twenties, she came to the United States on a scholarship to St. Louis University and graduated with her BSN in 1963. After working as a nurse at hospitals in St. Louis, Missouri, she because a nursing instructor.
She married G. Edward D'Souza in 1970 and took his three children from his first marriage as her own. Together, Zita and Ed had two more children. Zita helped her own mother and many siblings immigrate to the United States from India to build better lives for their families.
Zita, a self-proclaimed feminist, ardent Democrat & follower of politics, rode a motorcycle in the 60s, served as girl scout leader in the 70s and a Planned Parenthood Clinic Director in the 80s and 90s. She was a faithful Catholic, who never missed Sunday mass and said the rosary along with her cassette tapes on long drives. Her love of cooking was contagious and all were welcome at her table. Zita also enjoyed knitting and watching cop shows. She loved to cook, knit, and watch cop shows. She listened to classic country western music, and like to read nonfiction -particularly about American history.
Zita is preceded in death by her son Selwyn D'Souza and 7 of her siblings. Survived by husband of nearly 47 years; children Genevieve (Noel), Peter (Paulette), Lisa (Doug) and Sr. Lynn; grandchildren Rachel (Brian), Matthew, Jason, Joshua, Andrew, Kristen (Edwin), Zahra, Kavi, and David; and great-grandchildren Cameron and Emelia; and sisters Sr. Emmanuel du bon Pasteur LSP, Sr. Thelma Barrett and Barbara Devaraj; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
SERVICES: Visitation 3pm-7pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 Little Sisters of the Poor Nursing Home. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30am Wednesday, January 25, 2017, also in the Chapel of Little Sisters of the Poor Nursing Home. Interment to follow in St. Monica Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Zita's family requests that donations be made to Little Sisters of the Poor 3225 N Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63107 OR Missouri Health Care for All
P.O. Box 190429, St. Louis, MO 63119
877-383-8884
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