Rita Gertrude Hooper

Rita Hooper, born Rita G. Oczkewicz on Feb. 13, 1929, passed away, content in her sleep, on Jan. 24, 2018. Rita was the youngest daughter of Albert and Lena Oczkewicz and sister to Albert, Margaret, Lloyd, and Jean (Cinckovich); all of whom preceded her in death.

Rita was born in Everett, WA, was baptized at Immaculate Conception Church, and attended elementary, middle school and church there. Years later Rita faithfully volunteered her services to the church until no longer able. She loved roller-skating to school almost every day, until the fourth grade when, sadly, her teacher told her to stop bringing her skates because the boys kept kicking them in the cloakroom. She loved to skate and Rita took this hard. After graduation from Everett High in 1946, Rita went on to Seattle University where she attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. Rita met Robert S. Hooper while at Seattle U. They married in Seattle in September 1950 and, before moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rita gave birth to her first son, Robert (married to Ellen). She went on to give birth to Steven (CathyBeth), Michael (Turquoise), Mary (Tom Lowery), Thomas (Dawn), and John (Lisa). As fate would have it, Rita divorced her husband, moved back to Everett in 1960 where she raised her six children.

She worked full-time as a Medical Technologist at Providence Hospital in Everett. She worked overtime and volunteered to be on call to provide better opportunities for her kids. Her children also attended Immaculate Conception, Everett High and went on to attain college degrees. Some went on to earn advanced degrees in law, business, science and engineering. Rita’s unwavering standards, dedication, and love for her children, were key to each of their successes.

Rita’s pride in her children extended to her 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren (soon to be eight!). She adored each and was delighted when she thought of them and when they would come to visit. Christmas brunch was a special occasion at grandma’s house. Her 39 stockings were hung, and Rita’s coveted cinnamon rolls were devoured; and her homemade cookies and raspberry jam were gifted to each family by the box load. Her grandchildren include Matthew, Steven (married to Laura), Catherine (Bill Miele), Collette (Richard Arechavaleta), Geoffrey (Jesse), Nathan (Elissa), Alena (Jason Lane), Chris, Keelan, Justin (Samantha), Jillian, Jessalyn, and Jace. Great-grandchildren include Margaret, Eleanor, Gaia, Willa, Robert and Richard Jr. Rita also had many nieces and nephews whom she warmly embraced in her heart.

Rita was there for all in her family. Everyone’s birthday was marked with a card in the mail and a phone call begun with her singing “Happy birthday to you.…” Rita had a beautiful voice she shared in song. In her teens, she would sing live over the local radio station and later sang in the church choir.

Rita took joy in viewing the performances and athletic endeavors of all her kids. For this outpouring of support, twice Rita was awarded Parent of the Year honors while her children attended Everett High.

Rita lived a life of triumph and grace. She died in the house she was born brimming with love bestowed upon her from the support of her family and caregivers. She will forever remain in our thoughts, prayers and hearts.

Her funeral will be at Immaculate Conception Church, February 10 at 11:00 am. A Rosary ceremony will be held February 9 at Evergreen Funeral Home beginning at 7:00 pm. Rita asked donations be made to Immaculate Conception School. The family invites friends and relatives to share memories or express condolences by signing the guestbook at www.evergreen-fh.com (click on her name).