Mary Rita Stanish, 97, of La Plata, MD passed away at her home on April 25, 2014 surrounded by loving family members. Rita was born to the late Nathaniel and Christine Lundstrom on May 17, 1916 in Manchester, New Hampshire.

She moved to Washington, DC in her early twenties and worked in the Office of the General Counsel as an Administrative Assistant for 26 years. After retiring from the government, she continued working at St. Margaret's School in Seat Pleasant, MD and Holy Family Church in Marlow Heights, MD.

Rita married Paul Joseph Stanish on September 5, 1952, and together they raised three children. Rita was a kind and compassionate person who loved animals and people. She was always willing to help someone in need. She was held in high regard by those fortunate enough to have known her as a friend.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, and her three siblings: Bernie Lundstrom, Natalie Murray, and Gertrude O'Downer. At the time of her death, Rita was the oldest living parishioner at St. Joseph's Church in Pomfret, MD. She was a devout Catholic.

Rita is survived by her three children: Tony (Mary Claire) Stanish, John Stanish, and Christie Stanish-Kurtz. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Russell (Kristen) Stanish, Keith Hollingsworth, Sarah (Steve) Litten, Jared Stanish, Nicole (Jeff) Canon, Michelle (Travis) Mace, and Caitlin Stanish; and 12 great- grandchildren.

Viewing will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 1-4PM at the Raymond Funeral Service Chapel, 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 5, 2014 at 11AM at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 4590 St. Joseph Way, Pomfret, MD 20675. Interment will follow at the MD Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623.

Memorial contributions are asked to the Hospice of Charles County, 2505 Davis Road, Waldorf, MD 20603.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.