Rita Marie Pacheco

Rita passed away unexpectedly after a reception being held in her honor at Notre Dame High School in San Jose. Attended by family and friends, the occasion was in recognition of her philanthropic support of her Alma Mater.

Rita was born in Hartford City, Indiana to John and Merle Pursley. The family eventually settled in Santa Clara in 1947. Rita graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1957 and married Richard (Dick) Pacheco in 1959. The marriage was blessed with five sons, and the Pacheco home in Saratoga was known for its welcoming family parties and holiday celebrations. After Dick’s passing in 1992, Rita successfully took over the Pacheco Real Estate business and contributed generously to many local charities and schools. Nothing brought her more joy and contentment then being with her family.

Over the past 20 years, Rita has been blessed to have the companionship of her partner Craig Bull. Together they split their time between La Quinta, California and Estrella Del Mar, Mazatlan, Mexico where they made many dear friends. Rita shared her love of travel with Craig and her family, creating many lifelong memories for her children and grandchildren.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, John and Merle Pursley, brother John E. Pursley, sister Patty Petrina and husband Richard E. Pacheco. She is survived by her five sons, Rick (Wendy), Bob (Carolyn), Leo, Dan (Cathy), Tim (Adrianne) and 13 grandchildren. Her siblings, Judith Mahoney (Bill), Leo Pursley (April), Peggy Messier (John) and Clara Pursley, Herbert Pursley (Roberta), and Daniel Pursley (Claire). She is also survived by her loving companion Craig Bull.

Our beloved Rita was a gracious lady who will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.

Visitation will be held on Sunday the 17th of December at Lima Family Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd in Santa Clara from 5-8pm with a Rosary at 6pm. A funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 13716 Saratoga Avenue, in Saratoga, Ca. at 12 noon on Monday the 18th of December. A burial will take place on the following day at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Notre Dame High School – San Jose (http://www.ndsj.org/support-nd).