DUPONT FUNERAL HOME
http://www.dupontfuneralhome.com
Rita (Spinelli) Southey, 87, of Bristol, widow of Harry E. Southey, passed away on March 31, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. Born on December 20, 1934 in New Britain, CT, she was the daughter of the late Angelo and Rose (Bellini) Spinelli. Rita worked for over 25 years as a school secretary for the Bristol Public Schools, retiring in 2011. Previous to that, she worked for many years at the United Bank and Trust Company. She was an active parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Bristol, having been a longtime member of the St. Joseph's Ladies Guild and volunteered her time teaching religious education at St. Joseph's School. Rita graduated from Bristol High School in 1953 and since her graduation, was an active member of her class's reunion committee. Rita took great pride in maintaining an impeccable lawn and property. Until just recently, she could be found happily riding around on her John Deere tractor, making sure that her lawn was near perfect. In her free time, Rita enjoyed knitting blankets and hats for newborn babies and donated many of them to Bristol Hospital's nursery. She was also quite the seamstress. Rita enjoyed altering clothing for her family and friends and loved seeing an article of clothing through, from pattern to completion. When the COVID outbreak started, Rita sewed close to one hundred face masks for her family and friends. She was a huge fan of QVC, the show hosts, and their products. Rita is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Robert "Rob" and Susan Southey of Bristol, CT; her daughter and son-in-law Alison and Jonathan Kozlak of Burlington, CT; five grandchildren Lauren, Kerry, and Julia Kozlak, and Christopher and Meghan Southey, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She relished being a Grandma to her five grandkids, spoiling them at every turn. Rita was predeceased by her brother Perry J. Spinelli. Rita's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at St. Francis Hospital and the Smilow Cancer Center for their compassionate care for her during her illness. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, April 6, at 10am at St. Joseph Church in Bristol. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be Tuesday evening from 4-7pm at DuPont Funeral Home, 25 Bellevue Ave., Bristol. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul Catholic High School by visiting www.spchs.com/makeagift or to the V Foundation for Cancer Research by visiting www.v.org/donate Family and friends are invited to leave a condolence message by visiting www.dupontfuneralhome.com
LINKS
The Hartford Courant
http://www.courant.com
The Bristol Press
http://www.bristolpress.com
Memories
Gallery
Guestbook