The STARS community joins family and friends in remembering Rita L. Wright (née Bauer), who passed away on March 8. Rita was the beloved wife of Billy Wright for 68 wonderful years and a devoted mother to Bill (Gale) Wright, Sharon (the late Nick) Guerra, and Glenn (Holly) Wright. She was a cherished grandmother to Lynn, David, Jennifer, Jacqueline, Nick, Michael, Amanda, Emily, David, and Sarah, and a proud great-grandmother to many. Rita was also the dear sister of Bernadette Bauer, John Bauer, and the late Janet Bauer, Thomas (Joann) Bauer, and Jerry (Kyle) Bauer, as well as a treasured aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Rita’s life was marked by an extraordinary commitment to education and exploration. She taught for 38 years in Burbank School District 111, inspiring generations of students with her enthusiasm for learning and science. Her passion extended beyond the classroom, as she also contributed by writing educational materials for NASA, helping bring the excitement of space exploration to students everywhere. In a remarkable moment that captured the spirit of both education and amateur radio, Rita became the first person in the world to make contact with the International Space Station via amateur radio, an achievement that reflected her lifelong dedication to curiosity, learning, and connecting people.
Services will be held at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th Street in Oak Lawn. Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 12, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with services on Friday, March 13 at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Rita’s legacy of education, innovation, and service will continue to inspire all who knew her. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Billy, her family, and all whose lives she touched.
The Stars Board