Rita Fones Sabagh

Rita passed away peacefully in her sleep at home at the age of 86. She was born in Washington, DC to Edna and Jack Fones, and was a fourth generation Washingtonian. She lived in Port St. Lucie, FL for 44 years, coming from McLean, VA. She is survived by her daughter, Anne Sabagh and her husband Tony; step-daughters Michele Laughter and her husband Jim, and Denyse Sabagh and her husband, Roger; grandsons, Henry and Dan; great grandsons, Riley, Jake, and Owen, and many friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Mitchell.

After high school, she had a 20-year career with the federal government as a Secretary and an Office Manager, serving many of those years with the Department of the Interior. She also traveled whenever possible with her close friends.

Rita and her husband, Mitch, moved to Port St. Lucie in 1980. It wasn’t the bustling city it is today. In fact, there wasn’t much here. Their house was the only one on the street. The closest grocery store was in Ft. Pierce. Holy Family Catholic Church wasn’t built yet. A lot has changed since then. They made new friends, raised Anne, hosted gatherings with family and friends,and enjoyed playing golf. In fact, Rita once made a hole in one, and also birdied the 12th hole at Pebble Beach, which needless to say, made Mitch a little jealous, as he had been playing golf longer, and actually introduced her to the sport!

Rita was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church from its very beginning when services were held in a local school cafeteria; long before the Church was built. Through the years she served the Church in many roles: CCD teacher, usher, counting room assistant, thrift store volunteer, President of the Council of Catholic Women (a role she served with great pride) and prayer chain coordinator. Her faith was the guiding force in her life. She also volunteered with Meals-On-Wheels for many years, delivering meals to people in her community.

She loved God, family, friends, laughing, crossword puzzles, travel, theater, music, and TV game shows, especially Wheel of Fortune, usually answering before the contestants. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2330 SE Mariposa Avenue, Port St. Lucie, FL on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 10 a.m.

​In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita’s name to the Council of Catholic Women, Holy Family Catholic Church, 2330 Mariposa Avenue, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.

​The burial will be private.