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Rita Christina Brown Blair, age 87, passed away on May 4, 2021 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC.
Rita was born on January 20, 1934 in Washington, DC at Sibley Hospital to the late Robert and Bertha Brown. She attended St. Anthony’s Elementary School and St. Patrick’s Academy. She worked as a private industry secretary, as well as a Federal Government secretary for many years before becoming a private industry Technical Illustrator. In 1991, she moved to Wilmington, NC with her husband, Ralph Blair, where she worked for Nabisco, UNCW, and many temp agencies. She volunteered at Cape Fear Hospital, was an Afterschool Teaching Assistant at Wrightsville Beach Elementary School, and taught foreign students reading at The Literacy Council. Rita won watercolor art awards at The Senior Center in Wilmington and was involved with other senior women in a rewarding tap class to entertain various area nursing homes. She also enjoyed sewing and playing the keyboard and piano. She was fortunate in knowing so many wonderful people in Wilmington.
Rita is survived by her children, Thomas Martin Beasley III, Michael Patrick Beasley, Robert Lewis Beasley (Mary Beth), Mary Elizabeth Cotter (Clarence), and three stepchildren, Colleen Ruth Frazier (David), Kathleen Edith Blair, and Kevin John Blair. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her husband of over 40 years, Ralph Blair and her two sisters, Catherine Patricia Brown and Mary Jane Brown.
Rita will be laid to rest with her husband, Ralph, in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider sending contributions to a charitable wounded veterans organization.
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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st St. Wilmington, NC 28403
910.791.9099
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