Rita Asturias Burns

March 8th, 1946 ~ March 3rd, 2016

Passed away peacefully on March 3, 2016 in San Francisco at her home surrounded by family. Loving mother of Robin ( John) and Melissa; loving grandmother of Madeleine, Claire and Dylan. Rita is survived by her mother Alice Boland Asturias, ten siblings, Mary, Esther ( Stuart), Patricia, Christina ( Dave), Lisa ( Jan), Louise ( Michael), Anita ( Wayne), Frank ( Lorna), Teresa ( Greg), and Carla, plus many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A second generation native San Franciscan, Rita was born on March 8th, 1946, the second of eleven children, to Alice Boland Asturias of San Francisco and the late Mario Asturias of La Reforma, Guatemala. Rita attended St. Anne’s Grammar School and Mercy High School where she met many life time friends. She went on to continue her education at City College San Francisco. Rita had a diverse career from administrative work at UCSF Medical Center to being one of the first women telephone technicians at Pacific Bell. She spent the last twenty years working at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, retiring in 2008.

Following retirement Rita enjoyed travelling with her good friends and cousins and was able to experience the beauty of many countries. Vacations were also spent at the Asturias family cabin in Guerneville where she enjoyed bike riding through Armstrong Woods and reading a good book on the deck. Rita loved the outdoors and riding her bike through her beloved city, especially through Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach. Following her bike rides she would stop to enjoy the Golden Gate Park Band. Rita loved cooking for her family and friends, attending the theater or ballet in San Francisco, fine dining, and attending monthly San Francisco Breakfast Club functions. Rita’s greatest joy was raising her children and being an active part of her grandchildren’s lives. Everyone who met our beautiful mother was immediately struck by her vivacious energy and sharp wit. She led a full life and will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, fabulous dinner parties, and inquisitive mind.

Friends and family are invited to attend a mass and Celebration of Rita’s life on Saturday, April 9, 2016, 10: 00AM at St. Anne’s of the Sunset at Judah Street San Francisco. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Golden Gate Park Band c/ o McLaren Lodge, Golden Gate Park, 501 Stanyan Street, SF, CA 94117.