Rita Mae Cassella

Rita was a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, educator, and friend.

Rita was born on July 16, 1948 in New Castle, PA, to Rose and Rocco Monico. She was the youngest of three children, with two older brothers, Michael and Merle. She attended her neighborhood school, graduating in 1966 from Union High School. There, she was captain of the drill team and was voted homecoming queen her senior year. Rita met her husband, Ed, in high school and they continued dating while she attended Slippery Rock University. She was an active member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor's degree in Education, and married Ed a month later.

Rita’s teaching career began in Appalachia in 1970. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education from the University of South Carolina, while raising her two young daughters. Rita taught throughout the United States and in South Korea, taking jobs wherever she and Ed were stationed by the US Army.

Rita and Ed moved their family to Honolulu, HI in 1990. Rita was very active in community service and was a member of many local groups and societies. She was president of the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset from 2008 to 2009. She started a Red Hat Society Club and was an active member of PEO chapter C.

Rita touched a multitude of lives in the 43 years she spent as a school teacher, from 1970 to 2013, when she retired after 18 years at Punahou School in Honolulu, HI.

She was a kind, generous, inclusive and beloved teacher. Her greatest gift was making every student feel like he or she belonged. She inspired her students to be empathetic, positive-minded, community-oriented, and to enjoy life to its fullest.

Rita was the heart of her family. Her grace, selflessness, and humility will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her legacy lives on through her husband, Ed; daughters Leanne Nichols and Dena Tomlinson; and six grandchildren.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BorthwickOahu.com for the Cassella family.