Rita L Welsh

Rita L. Welsh, born 4/26/20 to Iola and Bernard F. Kehoe, passed away in Gainesville, FL on 7/14/23. She left behind a daughter Lorian, son Bruce, and grandson Brian, as well as extended family and a host of friends who loved and admired her and will miss her deeply. Rita was born on an army post in the Boston Harbor and was the last survivor of eight children. She was very proud of her military family which included her father, a career army officer, her brother James, a WWII fighter pilot who lost his life while taking down a German bomber, and her sister, Col. Doris Kehoe, a three-year POW in the Philippines. Rita also participated in the war effort as a civilian working at a defense plant. Other siblings greeting her in heaven are sisters, Theresa and Sharlot, and brothers Frank, Garland, and Hubert.

Rita moved from New York to Gainesville in 1956 with her husband, William Welsh, and their two children. She was an excellent stay at home Mom who later carved out a career for herself in furniture and antique sales. In 1989, she moved to Houston, TX to be close to her daughter and remained there until returning to Gainesville in Dec 2019. She thoroughly enjoyed her thirty years in Houston and easily made many new friends there. Known for her wonderful sense of style, sharp mind, and interest in others, people were naturally drawn to her. Like other members of The Greatest Generation, she was resilient, courageous, and a person of integrity. She was also fiercely independent and fun loving.

Over the course of her life she participated in many athletic pursuits which included swimming, bowling, and golf. Always one to take on new challenges, she celebrated her ninetieth birthday by going sky diving, a fact she enjoyed sharing with others and that brought her many new admirers. In later years she enjoyed playing Bingo and Mah Jongg with her friends at Senior Centers as well as doing crossword puzzles, staying informed on current events, and listening to books.

A longtime friend said it well when she described Rita as "an amazing lady" and "the best of the best". In honor of our mother and her incredible 103 year life, do what she would do, start a conversation with a stranger and make a new friend.