Rita Joyce Osborne LaSota

Rita Joyce Osborne LaSota died Tuesday, October 16, 2018 following a long battle with lung disease. She is now breathing easy in the arms of the Lord. Born September 12, 1943 in Greenville, SC, Rita grew up in Miami, FL, graduating from North Miami High School in 1961 before attending the University of Florida. Following time spent in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Texas, Rita settled with her family in Orlando in 1976, joining a community she would grow to love dearly. An active member of First Baptist Church of Orlando, she was honored to serve for many years as a board member for Larry McFadden Ministries and as part of the “Upon this Rock” Committee, helping to shepherd the relocation of FBCO from downtown to its current 33rd Street location. She loved her church; her birthday group lunch club; the Gators; the Blue Ridge mountains; New Smyrna Beach; going to the movies, and most of all, to be surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors. Throughout her life, she loved and honored her mother and father. Her adoration for her older brothers and their children may have only been exceeded by the pride she took in her daughter and son. She was an incredible mother. Before pursuing a successful career in real estate, Rita was a teacher. But she didn’t just teach in the classroom. She taught through the example of a life lovingly and well lived. She taught us that joy is more deeply experienced when shared with others. She taught us that family may include anyone who may need a place to call home, a warm meal, or a maybe just a kind word. She taught us to see the good in others, even when they may not see it in themselves. And she taught us that faith need not ever waiver, no matter the hardship. She refused to compromise her values. She never settled for less. She was steadfast and loyal, and she will be missed. Rita follows her brother Wendell Raymond Osborne and is survived by her brother John Allen Osborne of Plantation, FL; her daughter, Kristine Martha LaSota and fiancé, Edward Lee Athearn of Orlando, FL; her son and daughter-in-law Steven Matthew LaSota and Jennifer Park LaSota of Greensboro, NC; and her grandchildren, Estelle Osborne LaSota, Steven Matthew LaSota, Jr., and Clara Park LaSota, each of whom she loved all around the world, and back again. A celebration of life is scheduled for 10 A.M. Friday, October 19, 2018 at Downtown Baptist Church Orlando, 120 E. Pine Street, Orlando, FL 32801 with a reception to follow at the Embassy Suites 191 Pine Street, Orlando FL 32801. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests donations in Rita’s honor be made to Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care: //web.cshospice.org/foundation/giving.

Rita Joyce Osborne LaSota

September 12, 1943 - October 16, 2018