The family of Rita DePasquale Weimorts Smith is deeply saddened to announce her passing on October 3, 2026. Rita was born in Syracuse, New York on October 15, 1929, to Antonio DePasquale and Francesca Anna Losurdo DePasquale. Rita lived a remarkably vibrant life full of love, laughter, and dedication to family, friends, and her abiding faith.
Throughout her journey, Rita brought immense light into the world, touching the hearts of everyone she met. Her greatest joy was spending time with family, friends, and her Navy family.
Rita served as a Navy nurse and met a Naval Aviator, her first love, Robert (Bob) Weimorts. They married and eventually settled in Virginia Beach with their three children. After the loss of her husband in Vietnam, Rita raised the children with help and support from family, friends, and her Navy family. When all the children were school age, Rita applied her nursing skills as an elementary school nurse, helping hundreds of children through the years. Rita retired after 20 years in the school system and married her second love, Bradford (Brad) Smith. Together they loved to travel the world, and spent several months each year in Hawaii, where they enjoyed golfing and visiting with friends. Rita continued to travel after Brad’s passing, always open to experiencing different cultures and bringing unique items home to remind her of these adventures.
Rita was very proud of her children, and the lives they have built, and she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rita had a deep faith and devotion to God, and she prayed with many people through the years, encouraging them in their journey. She enjoyed attending mass regularly and even traveled to Jerusalem with her church group.
Rita's legacy will live on through Rob Weimorts (Teresa Weimorts) of Alabaster, Alabama; David Weimorts (Marilyn Weimorts) of Mobile, Alabama; Rita Anne Rendon (Michael Rendon) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Bradford Smith Jr. (Diane Smith) of Alexandria, Virginia; Penelope Smith Wiehe and Edward Wiehe of Wilmore, KY; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of cherished friends.
The family will receive friends on October 15, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm, at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home. A celebration of Rita's life will take place at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church on October 16, 2026, at 10:00 am. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice, Caregivers, and family and friends for their compassionate care in her final days.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Food Bank.
Rita loved everyone she encountered, and they all loved her.
Ciao bella
