Rita was a long term friend of Jenny and me – she was the Real Estate Agent on our home and most of our buildings. We bought our Puerto Vallarta condo because of her. Jenny partnered with her to start our property management business at 312 Redondo (JTM). We introduced her to Captain James B. “Killer” Cain in Washington DC. She is still a minority partner in two properties with us.
Jim and Rita were married in La Jolla, at a retired Admiral’s home. Later we (Dave & Jenny) had a reception for them in Long Beach at the old International City Club, which we sponsored!
We will miss her!
Dave & Jenny Shlemmer
My first real memory of Rita was when I asked to borrow a dress because I was going out on a special date (I don't remember with whom) and I needed something nice. This was right after we graduated. Anyway, she very kindly offered it to me. It was a very full skirted navy blue with a crinoline under slip. I was so grateful and impressed. Thank heaven I didn't spill anything on it!
My next connection with her was several years later when she, Sandy, Val and I flew to San Miguel. Rita and I shared a room together and we had a marvelous time. Sandy and Val would get up early, go for their walk and then we all met for breakfast.
Though Rita was serious, smart and independent, she also had her fun loving side. I was privileged to attend several American Fighter Aces banquets with them and while Jim was at meetings, Rita, Sandy and I had fun sightseeing.
I remember a trip that Sandy, Rita and I had after Jim had passed away. We were in a San Antonio restaurant having dinner, and we were reminiscing about Jim, and I asked her how long she and Jim had been married. And she very quickly replied, looked me straight in the eye and said, "Not long enough". I think that sums Rita up pretty well. She could be fun and witty, but could cut also to the core when necessary.
One last memory. A few years ago, Rita, Sandy, Cathy, and I were in San Miguel and I got really sick. It was probably food poisoning. Sandy called the doctor and everyone was very solicitous but Rita sat down on the edge of the bed and put her arms around me, kissed me on my cheek, and ensured me that I would be o.k.
I think Rita cared very much about people but didn't or couldn't show it. I think that Cathy said if very well - she was the epitome of style and sophistication, and a trooper.
I called her about a week before she died and we reminisced. She seemed to enjoy that, but knew that she was dying and was ready to go.
Pat Hobgood Basden
I met Rita when I was staying down at Casa Andrea in PV, for a 2 week vacation from the cold in Portland, Oregon. My family refers to it as 'dog central' but we loved going there with all the dogs, Mia, Rita's favorite, would follow her around, and if Rita was out late and Andrea had already gone, little Mia would yap until Rita would come and rescue her. I chatted with Rita at breakfast, and a few times when I was down there, after happy hour, we would go to dinner, sometimes Vi Tea to watch the sun sets, and they always had small portion dinners. Rita liked that. Rita would tell me about her many travels, her family that she loved, her husbands and I recall her telling me about Pilar and a book about Mexico Through Foreign Eyes, which I never did find her in the states. She talked about Pilar and how successful she was, and what she was up to. I believe she was living in PV when I last saw Rita, and I always hoped that I would be able to meet Pilar sometime when I was down there. And yes, Rita was stylin' looking good at the pool, or for dinners out, or for a walk to get some ice cream. I loved that about her. I know her eyes were getting bad the last time I saw her in PV and that's why I would try to accompany her out for a bite. She really was very sweet, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet her and spend some time with her. I am heading to PV on Monday if the snow will let my plane take off, and so I will light a candle, have a cocktail and watch the sun set from LaPalapa, and smile remembering some great times chatting with a friend.
