March 9, 1943 – January 12, 2019 We have lost our mother, grandmother, sister, beloved companion and partner, and a wonderful, giving and caring friend. It was a privilege for all of our family to be with her when she completed her life journey on January 12, 2019. .
Rita is the daughter of John M and Anastasia Purcell McDermott, and was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, March 9, 1943. Her early years were spent in Naugatuck, CT, before the family followed her father, a chemist involved with rocket propellants, to Huntsville, Alabama, and then to Brigham City, Utah, where he was employed by the Thiokol Corporation developing the Minuteman missile. A graduate of St Joseph’s High School in Ogden, Rita attended the University of Portland, where she met and married her husband of 53+ years, John, and then accompanied him to the University of Oregon Medical School (now OHSU), from which he graduated as an MD and she received her Master of Science Degree in Biochemistry in 1969.
Three daughters joined the family during that time. The next 5 years were spent in St Paul, Minnesota, where John completed OB/GYN training, Rita worked towards a PhD degree, and two addition Nelson children completed the Nelson Brood. She discontinued the education quest just short of finishing, realizing that her advanced degree might complicate John’s securing a position at their eventual landing place, which turned out to be Logan.
Utah, where John joined the Budge Clinic in 1974. The next 31 years were spent raising the five, wonderful children, partnering in every respect with John, and enjoying the environs of the Intermountain West. During those years Rita became well known as a tireless wife and Mom, a ski patroller at Beaver Mountain (she was awarded a “National Number” by the National Ski Patrol organization), a long-time soccer coach and referee, and a volunteer with numerous organizations including Cache Food Pantry and Somebody’s Attic thrift Shop, along with St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church service, all the while working full or part time in various research roles at Utah State University.
She could be seen riding her bike to work in the dark of the morning in all seasons of the year in all conditions … after her morning run. Bicycling and wintertime cross country skiing were favorite activities, and no one could match her pace on family hikes. Of course, she also completed two marathons along the way!
And, lately … book clubs, book clubs, book clubs! The children having “fledged”, Rita and John retired in 2005 so as to provide medical volunteer service “overseas,” mostly at Hospitalito Atitlan in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala, but also with The Hope Alliance in other areas of the underserved world, which they continued until health issues began to interfere. Meanwhile, the “children” have all become admirable and accomplished persons of whom she was very proud, and who have provided her with 13 fabulous grandchildren.
Along the way Rita and John have managed to fit in travels to a great many parts of the world, mostly active trips involving biking or hiking. Life could not have been more fulfilling for the Nelsons. Rita overcame breast cancer a few years ago, only to develop a rare form of uterine malignancy which she could not defeat, and which has now carried her away.
She was predeceased by her parents, and brother Michael McDermott (Patty), and is survived by sister Beth Lee, husband John, daughters Bridget Lefor (Dr Michael), Kristin, Maura, Meghan Steele (Nathan), and son Patrick (Natsuko), along with 8 grandsons and 5 granddaughters. We are very grateful for the services and support of medical professionals, especially Dr Sarunas Sliesoraitis, Dr Mark Huffman, Dr Karen Zempolich and the great staffs of Logan Regional, St Mark’s, and McKay-Dee Hospitals and the Logan Infusion Therapy and Oncology Clinics. Community Nursing Services Hospice folks have helped during the final days.
But we absolutely could not have endured the final process without help and attention from our fabulous support system of family, friends and neighbors near and far. Monsignor Robert Bussen, “Father Bob,” continues to be a special friend. Instead of flowers, please remember Rita with donations to the American Red Cross Blood Program, to The Hope Alliance, or to Hospitalito Atitlan or La Puerta Abierta children’s school in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, February 9th, 10AM, at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 725 S 250 E, Hyde Park, UT. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. Funeral arrangements by Allen-Hall Mortuary.
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