Rita S. Chamberlain died Friday, Aug. 31. 2012.

She was born in Denver, Colo., Sept. 8, 1917, where she met and married her husband, Charles W. Chamberlain. After World War II, they moved to Park Ridge, Ill., to raise their family, and then retired to Florida in 1983. They resided in Southbay Yacht and Harbor Club in Osprey, Fla. Rita was predeceased by her husband of 57 years in 1994.

She is survived by son Marshall Chamberlain; and daughters Linda C. McCoppen and spouse, Jack, and Jeanie McKenzie and spouse, John. Marshall resides in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. Linda in Nokomis, Fla., and Jeanie in Vancouver, Canada. Rita had 11 grandchildren who showered her with love; and 17 great-grandchildren. Two wonderful sisters, Polly Murphy and Jeanella Wiliford, also survive her.

Her accomplishments were many. When she was determined to do something, she did it. Rita worked her way up the ladder of success in the business world, finally ending up where few women could go at that time — a board room! She was CFO/treasurer of an international chemical-flavoring company in Elk Grove, Ill. She learned a whole new vocabulary there in the board room!

Locally, she had resided at Southbay Yacht and Harbor Club in Osprey, Fla., from 1983 to 2006, and then moved to Village On The Isle in Venice in 2006. While in Southbay she was founder of the first women’s investment club and served on the board as treasurer.

Her second passion was quilting. She belonged to the Venice Quilting Guild and others. She had made more than 150 quilts, mostly by hand-stitching. She received numerous medals for her creativeness.

Rita was a stroke victim. After four strokes, from 1999 until she passed, she still maintained determination to do for herself, such as drawing with only three fingers!

We are thankful for all the loving care she received from the Village On The Isle, certified nursing assistants, Dr. Oynick, private caregivers and her physical therapists.

Her family and friends will always remember Rita for her fortitude, work ethic, generous nature, engaging spirit and love of laughter. Rita will be in our hearts and memories forever.

Contributions: The family requests donations be made to Venice Theatre, Venice, Fla.