Rita Ernesta DiGiulian

Rita is survived by her children, Diane Wagner of McLean, Virginia, Leonard DiGiulian of Pasadena, Maryland, and Robert DiGiulian of Washington, DC; siblings, Odile DeBortoli of Ottawa, Canada; twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and three French Bulldogs, Julia, Odile, and Alberto. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Giulia and Ernesto Bearzatto of Ottawa, Canada; husband, Leonard DiGiulian of Washington, DC; son, John A. DiGiulian of Alexandria, Virginia; and brother, Albert Bearzatto of Ottawa, Canada.

Rita was born on May 8, 1923 in Arba, Italy to Giulia and Ernesto Bearzatto. She moved to Canada at the age of 8 where she resided until she married in 1946, to Leonard DiGiulian, a native Washingtonian, who was the love of her life. The couple welcomed four children, John, Diane, Leonard, and Robert, into their home in Chevy Chase, DC. Her children, grandchildren, family members and all other loved ones remember her as a caring mother, who ruled the roost with her “big hand.”

Rita was an accomplished seamstress and real estate entrepreneur. She was a generous individual who devoted her life to her husband, children, and family members. She was passionate about traveling back to her hometown, Arba, Italy, to visit her relatives. She was an avid shopper, with a love of jewelry (especially pearls.)

A funeral is scheduled for February 2, 2017 at 12:30 P.M. at Holy Rosary Church in Washington, DC. Monseigneur Father John Enzler will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rita’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank her doctors, Edward Cullen, M.D. and Sean Dwyer, M.D., for their continuous care and dedication to Rita.

Arrangements under the direction of Joseph Gawler's Sons LLC, Washington, DC.