Rita Purpera Schiro

A resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Morganza, she passed away Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Bluebonnet surrounded by her loving family. She was 83. Visitation at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Friday, Jan. 21, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Ave., on Saturday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., celebrated by the Rev Miles Walsh. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Rita is survived by four sons, Michael Schiro, Thomas Schiro and wife Linda, Patrick Schiro and wife Sherry, and Jeremy Schiro; daughter, Jackie Connors and husband Mike; brother, Dr. Phillip Purpera and wife Flossie; two sisters, Constantina Purpera and Antoinette Corona; sister-in-law, Doreen Purpera; 14 grandchildren, Mandy and husband Brandon, Christopher and wife Jennifer, Joseph and wife Meghan, Jacalyn and husband Brian, Nicholas and wife Brittany, Nikki, Mary Catherine, Thomas, Angela, Jake, Anthony, Richard, Rachel and Stephanie; five great-grandchildren, Camron, Cayden, Christian, Kayden and Jake; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Salvatore and Nunzia D'Aquila Purpera; and nine siblings. Special thanks to Carleen, Sharon, Kim, Chuck, Jerry, Lee Anne, Dr. McCarthy, Ashtyn and the staff of Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Bluebonnet 3rd floor for their caring and comfort during her last days and hours. Rita was a longtime member and volunteer at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. She retired from the Louisiana Department of Health and Human Resources. At her request pallbearers will be her children.