Rita Jeannine Timmons Zacharias, 87

March 24, 2021

Born in Dagsboro, DE in the 1930’s, died on 24 March 2021. Rita, the daughter of W. Edgar and Ethel B. Timmons, graduated from Linden Hall School for Girls, Lititz, PA and from the University of Delaware, Newark, DE with a degree in Political Science. She married Jerrold M. Zacharias in 1954 and is survived by her, sons Matthew Zacharias Jr. of Cape Coral, FL, David Zacharias of La Verne, CA and grandchildren Nicholas, Patrick, Wendy Shara and Alexander Zacharias, as well as great-grandsons Vance and Titus Shara. She was predeceased by husband Jerrold on May 3, 2020, and son Dana Zacharias on March of 2017.

Rita worked for 22 years as a Realtor in Northern Virginia beginning in 1976. She advocated for the disabled in Virginia Beach, VA. Fairfax County, VA. and Lancaster, PA. from 1960-2009 with numerous organizations: PTA, Boy Scouts of America, Central Fairfax Services, Personal Support Network, and the Occupational Development Center. Rita was a devoted Woman’s Club member from 1978 – 2012. Her community work was only exceeded by her active membership in the United Methodist Church wherever she was residing. She was a pianist and church organist for many years. Rita’s priorities never varied: faith, family, and community. She was also the ideal Navy wife, uncomplaining about the long absences and always ready to help the wives of younger officers by employing a combination of humor and sympathy to support the tough times she had experienced. She sheparded the Navy squadron wives through the combat loss of four husbands in Vietnam and she was loved and admired by all who remembered her loving and caring words and assistance. She later trained and became a Stephen Minister.

In retirement at Willow Valley, Willow Street, PA, her hobbies included photography, traveling, reading, playing bridge, and going to the theater and symphony with friends and family.