Rita Donath Queen

Rita D. Queen, aged 96, of Titusville, Florida left us to be with the Lord on September 28, 2017 in the presence of her family.

Rita was born June 2, 1921 in Lincoln, Illinois to Joseph A. and Mary (Boy) Donath. As the youngest, she enjoyed growing up with her half- brother Henry, her sister Marion, her brother Raymond, and a large extended family whom she loved.  After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1939, Rita moved to Chicago, IL where she worked as a munitions inspector during WW II.  While in Chicago she met her beloved husband Lee Queen. They married in Lincoln on October 13, 1942.

Rita and Lee had a wonderful life together and were married for 63 years before his death.  During WWII they were stationed at Naval Air Station Hollyword/Fort Lauderdale, FL. Both loved living in Florida.  While Lee was overseas Rita returned to Lincoln where their eldest son was born.  Rita and Lee lived in Lincoln after the war and were blessed with three more children.  In 1957 they relocated to Titusville, FL where Lee became an engineer during the early launch and Apollo moon programs at Kennedy Space Center.  They had one more child and raised their family together. During their retirement, Rita and Lee built a summer home in the Smokey Mountains of North GA where Lee had been born in 1923 and grew up. After Lee’s death Rita continued to live in Titusville for the rest of her life.

Rita was a loving and caring Wife, Mom, Grandma and “GG” (Great-Grandma), Daughter and Friend. She was a very accomplished seamstress, who loved to crochet, quilt, and do needlework.  It gave her joy to care for others and to give them beautiful gifts she made for them. She raised her five children (and many of their friends) with loving care

and discipline. All went on to have successful careers and families.  

Rita is preceded in death by her husband Lee, her daughter Janice (John) Dorsey, and son Joseph L. (Jean) Queen.  She is survived by her son Gary (Sandy) Queen, two daughters Joyce (Tommy - deceased) O’Brien, and Jill (Tom) Dobson, Project is appreciated.as well as five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

Rita was blessed with strong health, mind and spirit throughout her life - we will miss her.

Memorial services will be held in Titusville FL, Oct 6, 2017, 11:30 am at North Brevard Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.  All are welcome. In lieu of flowers donation to the American Red Cross or Wounded Warrior 

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