Rita J. Staropoli McDonald

After courageously battling stage 4 cancer for over 3 years, Rita J. Staropoli McDonald passed away peacefully in her home in Albuquerque, NM on June 20th, 2012 with her husband Michael and daughter Jill at her side. Rita a first generation Italian American, was born May 16, 1937 in East Boston, MA to Giuseppina (Rotella) and Giuseppe Staropoli. Rita had a B.A. and M.A. in Education from Boston State College. Rita moved to CA where she married Michael McDonald on June 19, 1970. After living in Denver, CO Springs, and Cheyenne, WY they settled down in Durango, CO to raise their family. Rita taught in elementary schools for over 35 years, including several years at Sunnyside and Needham Schools in Durango. After retiring, Rita learned conversational Italian and playing the piano. She traveled throughout the U.S., Europe and Hawaii and loved spending time with her 8 grandchildren. Along with being he queen of bargain hunting shopper and all things lavender, she was also known for her compassion and kindness for others. She enjoyed being a parishioner as St. Columbia church in Durango. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, brother Mike and sister Delia, She is survived by her husband Michael, daughter Jill Stape (Dominic), son Michael (Bridget), and her 8 grandchildren, Mia, Talia, Michael, Olivia, Oliver, Alex, Edward, And Sergio. A funeral mass will be held on July 12th at 9:00 a.m. at Our lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic church at 5415 Fortuna Road, Albuquerque, MN , with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at 800-805-5856 or online at stjude.org.