Rita S Stiles

She was born August 19, 1925, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Frank Screnci and Gesina Mancuso Screnci. Raised in her Italian family, Rita did not learn to speak English until she entered elementary school. She graduated from Bok Technical High School in Philadelphia with a concentration in Home Economics, later working at Gimbels department store in the shoe salon. She maintained her independence until the final month of her life and carried with her a lifelong appreciation for family, home, and the simple joys of everyday life.

On September 15, 1957, Rita married her beloved husband, David L. Stiles Sr., a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Together they built a life centered on love, commitment, and family. As part of her husband’s military service, Rita lived in Texas, Japan, and England while he was stationed there. His final posting at the Pentagon brought them to Virginia. He preceded her in death on November 18, 2000.

Rita was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Rose; and cousin Susie, who was raised by Rita’s parents and was like a sister to her. She is survived by her son, David L. Stiles Jr.; grandson, David L. Stiles III; granddaughter, Kalyn M. Stiles; daughter-in-law, Trish Moreis; brother, Vincent Screnci; and cousin, Mary, also raised by Rita’s parents, and was like another sister.

Family was at the center of Rita’s life and she spent much of it as a homemaker, creating a warm and loving place for those she cherished. Proud of her Italian-American heritage, Rita delighted in carrying on family customs and traditions, including making the traditional Calabrian Christmas fruitcake. She also loved gardening, finding beauty and peace in flowers and plants. Rita spent many happy hours working on the family vacation house at Lake Louisa, in Virginia, built by her husband and son. There, she tended the grounds and enjoyed time with family. Rita will be remembered for her devotion to that family, her gentle spirit, and the lasting love she leaves behind.

All services will be held at Demaine Funeral Chapel, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, Va., on Saturday, October 3. A private viewing for immediate family members will take place from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a general viewing with closed casket from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The memorial service, a celebration of Rita’s long and happy life, will begin at 11:30 a.m., with a reception to follow. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date, yet to be determined.