Rita Sue Freeman passed away peacefully in March 2025 at the age of 91. She was born in 1933, the only child of her parents Carl and Roselle. Though Rita began life as an only child, she made up for that by eventually having her own large and loving family.

She was a sickly child from birth and spent much of her first five years either in Children’s Hospital or living with a nurse. Perhaps this was the source of her lifelong resilience to adversity. We came to think of her as our own energizer bunny, repeatedly bouncing back from life- threatening illness in her later years. Rita was an inspiration to her girls in her adaptability in the face of life’s challenges.

Rita was an undeniably gorgeous woman. Her smile could light up a room. For all who knew her, her beauty was surpassed only by her loving heart. The daughter of a women’s clothing manufacturer, Rita became a fashion model in her younger years, and continued throughout her life. Rita was a “fashionista” long before the term was even coined.

Rita was married to her first love, Robert, the boy next door. They had four daughters, Robin, Randi, Rikki, and Ronni. The family spent many weekends on their boat, cruising over to Catalina Island. Rita was a stay-at-home mom, a dedicated Girl Scout leader, and active PTA member. Ultimately, she raised her daughters mostly on her own, and with a houseful of growing girls, of course there were squabbles. But a beautiful thing about Rita is you could be arguing with her one minute and always turn around for a big hug the next minute.

When her marriage to Robert ended in 1970 she found herself as a single mom needing to support her girls. With no work history, she found a job as receptionist at a collection agency and retired 17 years later as their Vice President of Sales and Marketing. People were drawn to her vivacious personality, likely a factor in her success as a businesswoman.

Rita’s family grew with her joyful marriage to Irv, and his three children became part of her expanding family, adding daughter Ali, and sons Steven and David. The family took ski vacations together, and Rita’s daughters quickly grew to love Irv.

After Irv sadly and suddenly passed away, mutual friends introduced her to Paul, a widower. Their romance grew quickly, and in just a year's time they were married and soon moved to their seaside perch in Malibu. They had wonderful friends from various activities including their hiking, movie, and theater groups. Together they traveled to points around the world. With a particular love of cruise ship journeys, they hosted their combined families on voyages to Mexico and Alaska. Paul’s daughters Cheri and Loree became another delightful part of Rita’s expanding family, especially as more grandchildren joined the family.

After Paul’s passing, Rita finally agreed to move to an Assisted Living where she developed a new community of dear friends. Despite her age and growing aches and pains, every morning she got herself fashionably dressed, “put on her face,” and joined the day. She loved playing games and learned to play mahjong in her late 80’s with her friends at Brookdale. She loved going to the theater and held season tickets for multiple venues in L.A. She was a voracious reader, loved arts and crafts, painting, and never missed an opportunity to participate in classes offered at her community. Rita loved Santa Monica, including walks on the bluff, and indulging her passion for shopping. But her most favorite activity was spending time with her family and friends.

Rita will be remembered for her loving kindness and generosity towards others. She never missed an opportunity to say, “I Love You.” She was the matriarch, the glue that held the family together. She was a spectacular mom, grandmother and great grandmother (affectionately known as “GGR” by her 6 great grandkids).

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husbands Robert, Irv, and Paul.

Rita is survived by her four daughters Robin (Paul), Randi, Rikki (Jack), and Ronni (Michael), along with Ali, Steven, David, Cheri, and Loree. She also leaves behind her amazing grandkids, Evan, Mara, Hannah, Olive, Marc, Camille, Ryan, Sierra, Gabriel, Brian, and Scott, as well as her beloved great grandchildren Owen, Reece, Sawyer, Marshall, Elliott, and Brooks.

A Celebration of Life was held on March 9, 2025 at The Culver Hotel followed by a graveside service at Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations that touched her life: 

Museum of Tolerance

American Heart Association

Hospice Foundation of America