Rita was born in Fordoche, Louisiana to Josephine Donachricha and Vincent Giordano on April 14, 1934. She met and fell in love with George T. Kingsley and they wed in 1952. She retired from a nearly 30 year career at Sears working in various departments. After retirement, Rita enjoyed gardening in her yard and growing hydrangeas. She stayed true to her Italian roots and loved to cook. Everyone would fight over her shrimp mirliton casserole and stuffed artichokes. She also enjoyed traveling all over and spending time with her family.
Out of everything, Rita was most proud of her family and being the family matriarch. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her three daughters, Lillie Kingsley Tracy (Dave), Vanessa Kingsley Dunlap (Jay), and Carol Kingsley Nicosia (Ed); her grandchildren, Michael Kingsley Tracy, Joshua George Tracy, Amanda Grace Tracy, Joshua B. Dunlap, Justin Charles Dunlap, and Rita Josephine Schaferkotter; her great-grandchildren, Chloe Tracy, Daevyn Tracy, Kingsley Tracy, Presley Dunlap, Sydney Dunlap, Joshua Dunlap, Jr., Claire Dunlap, Brian George Dunlap, Skye Schaferkotter, and Meadow Schaferkotter. She is also survived by her sister, Bena Giordano Shows, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years and love of her life, George T. Kingsley; her baby, George T. Kingsley, Jr.; and her parents, Vincent and Josephine Giordano.
Rita will be greatly missed by her daughters, sons-in-law, and her grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to Rita’s services on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM until the funeral Mass at 12:00 PM. Interment to follow at All Saints Mausoleum on the same grounds.
