Rita Gregoria Chingoon

Born on November 17, 1930 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, she was one of 8 children to Florence Hernandez and John Afong. Rita had a successful 34 year career in various positions with Republic Bank in Trinidad before retiring to Orlando, Florida in 1986.

One of Rita's greatest passions in life was singing and performing. She was well known for her beautiful soprano rendition of the Ave Maria, which she performed for many weddings. Rita was an original member of the Love Movement show choir in Trinidad and also sang in various church choirs.

Rita lived a life full of love, faith, and devotion to her family and the Catholic church. She was very active in church ministries including Charismatic Prayer Group, Legion of Mary, Lay Carmelites, Respect Life and Eucharistic Ministry. She was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, St. Ann's Church, and a founding member of Living Water Community in Trinidad. When Rita relocated to Orlando, she was a devoted parishioner at Holy Family Catholic Church.

Rita had deep faith in the power of prayer and spent many hours in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. She will forever be remembered as a prayer warrior, constantly praying for everyone.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Basil Aloysius Chingoon in 2008. She is survived by her 3 daughters Marguerite, Allison, and Nicole; 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.