NEW BEDFORD — Rita Hotte passed away peacefully in New Bedford, MA on April 21, 2012, at the age of 94, following a period of declining health. Rita was raised in New Bedford and traveled the world with her husband, the late Col. Eugene T. Hotte.
Throughout her husband's career, Rita was active in several organizations, including Officers Wives Clubs and The German-American Club. In their retirement years, Rita and Gene were members of The Unitarian Society of Fairhaven, The New Bedford Symphony, The Tri-County Music Assoc., Whale, The Wamsutta Club, and MOWW. Rita was an enthusiastic participant in the Unitarian Women's Alliance.
Rita was a world traveler, reader, musician, bird-watcher, star-gazer and writer of lovely prose. She was passionate about nature in all its forms, played the piano beautifully well into her eighties and was a devoted follower of current events. Rita excelled in her many roles, as daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, in-law, friend and neighbor. She accepted all that life threw in her path with grace, and her sweet personality and wit made her a welcome guest everywhere she traveled. Rita's special gift of expression in her notes of appreciation and condolence will forever be treasured by her family and friends.
Mrs. Hotte is survived by her loving daughter, Karen Hotte; two beloved sons, Brian Hotte, and Kurt Hotte and his wife Denise; granddaughter Alyssa McCarthy and her husband Gavin; sisters Irene Tansey, and Evelyn Pilkington and her husband Harold; sisters-in-law Eleanor and Nancy; brother-in-law Paul; and several nieces and nephews.
Rita was predeceased by her sister, Dorothy and brothers, Andrew and Charles.
The Hotte family would like to thank the dedicated staff at The Cedars for their wonderful care of Rita in her last home. They also thank Rita's dear niece, Maureen, for her many kindnesses over the years.
A private burial was held at the National Cemetery in Bourne. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service for Mrs. Hotte at the Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday, June 16 at noon.
The family requests that donations of flowers go to a friend or loved one in Rita's memory and any memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association.
Rita Hotte, independent thinker, attentive listener, story-teller extraordinaire
But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, All losses are restored and sorrows end. (Shakespeare—Sonnet 30)