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In memory of

Rita Narcisian

of Golden, Colorado, died on Friday, March 15, 2013 in Colorado at the age of 73

Rita O’Connor was born July 7, 1939, in Pierre, South Dakota, the daughter of F.J. and Catherine (Murphy) O’Connor. She grew up on the family ranch, and was home schooled in the 1st grade. 2nd grade was spent at Witcher Hole School, 3rdthrough 6th grade was at Cheery School #60, 7th Grade at Philip School, 8th Grade at Cheery #60, 9th and 10th grade at Mt. Marty High School, and 11th and 12th grade at Philip High School. After graduation, she attended one year of college at Mount Marty College, before attending South Dakota State University in Brookings where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education.
In 1961, she moved to Colorado for a teaching job. Rita taught in the Jefferson County Public Schools for 32 years. Rita was united in marriage to Frank Narcisian on March 12, 1976 at Wheat Ridge, Colorado. After their marriage they made their home in Colorado.
Before retiring in 1993, she attended the University of Colorado and received her Masters of Education Degree. During her years of teaching in Colorado she worked with the school district and the state of Colorado to further girls’ athletics and sports. She was president of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, president of the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports, President of Jefferson County for Girls Sports, a member of Colorado Girls and Women in Sports, a member of the National Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and other national programs. She received many honors for her voluntary work for women and girls in athletics and sports.
Before her illness she enjoyed traveling, especially to Philip. Frank often says he is fortunate to have two homes and two families. Rita enjoyed outdoor activities, fishing with Frank and Todd and family, walking, bike riding, and noticing nature. She especially enjoyed plays and musical programs. 
Rita was preceded in death by her parents James Francis “FJ” and Catherine Anna (Murphy) O’Connor; one brother Bill O’Connor; and one sister Paula O’Connor.
Survivors include her husband Frank Narcisian of Golden, Colorado; two brothers Charles “Chuck” O’Connor and his wife Shirley of Philip, and James “Jim” O’Connor and his wife Phyllis of Cheyenne, Wyoming; a sister-in-law Sandra O’Connor of Philip; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
In accordance with her wishes, her body was cremated and her ashes spread in Colorado and South Dakota. 
A memorial service was held 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2013, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
A memorial has been established to the Haakon County Prairie Transportation.


Open the Memorial Folder

Memorial Service: 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2013, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

  • Rita had a contagious smile and laugh - no one could be down when she was around and even though "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." - Irish quote
    She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by so many.     ~ Laura O'Connor Philip (3/15/2013)
  • I was saddened to read of Rita's passing....you could count on her for a good laugh, a great story, and always ready for a friendly chat. Cherish the memories and let them get you through the difficult times. ~ Nancy Seager Ekstrum Green Valley, AZ (3/15/2013)
  • Our hearts are saddened with Rita's passing. She was truly a sweet and wonderful woman. Frank, hugs to you. Our girls send their prayers. Denise will miss her at Thanksgiving. May the Lord wrap you in his arms. Know that she is among the angels. Our deepest sympathy. ~ Rick and Rhonda Coyle Philip, SD (3/15/2013)
  • I am deeply saddened to hear of Rita's passing. Everytime I seen her it was like hugging and talking to a long lost friend. This time I'll be praying for you Father Frank-bless you and may God comfort you. ~ Sherman Burns Sheridan Wyoming (3/15/2013)
  • Our sympathy and prayers to the family. To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. Rita had that gift. ~ Marsha and Bill Sumpter Kadoka (3/15/2013)
  • We are so sorrow to hear of your loss. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Rita was such a nice lady and always had a smile on her face. She will be missed by many.

    God Bless you all!
    Nathan and Brittney Drury & family     ~ Nathan & Brittney Drury Philip (3/15/2013)
  • There are just no words to describe the loss we feel as do you all. Rita really was one of a kind and got all she could out of everyday! She truly blessed us all with her vitality,kindness,love and giving ways. Frank you are in our prayers as we all know how much you doted on her and will miss her. Same for all of Rita's family Chuck you and she were two of a kind for sure. Where ever you guys are there is a crowd of laughing people. What wonderful memories we have of her. Prayers for you all ~ Gary and Julie Nixon Philip (3/15/2013)
  • Rita was such a fun and friendly person to be around. She was a joy to be around and I always enjoyed visiting with her. My sympathy to her family. ~ Moneik Stephens Black Hawk SD (3/15/2013)
  • Our paryers and thoughts are with you. We are sorry for your loss. What a great lady. She always had a smile on her face and time to visit. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St Sturgis, S. D. (3/15/2013)
  • You are in our loving thoughts and prayers for comfort at this sad time. God Bless. Love, Mike & Shar ~ Mike & Shar Moses Philip (3/15/2013)
  • Frank, Chuck, Jim and families, our sincere sympathy on the loss of Rita. It was always nice to see her when she came to Mass here at Philip. May you feel the comfort of Jesus' arms around you as you walk through the days ahead. We are keeping you in our prayers. Sonny and Betty LaBeau

     ~ Sonny and Betty LaBeau Philip (3/15/2013)
  • So sorry to hear about Rita - we are thinking of you and praying for you Frank. My kids still remember visiting the two of you when they were little - they loved your "cool car" Frank, and played with the cup sets Rita gave them for many years! Rita will be missed. Love, Gen ~ Gen Blizzard Williamson Birmingham, Alabama (3/15/2013)
  • Our deepest sympathy to all family and friends of Rita. Although we only spent a small amount of time with her and Frank, it was always fun and uplifting. ~ Dick & Sharon O'Connor 711bayshore Rd Nokomis Fl 34275 (3/15/2013)
  • My thoughts and prayers to all of Rita's family during this difficult time! She was such and energetic and loving woman with a contagious personality. She will truly be missed dearly by her SD family as she touched so many in this community. Special (((HUGS))) to you Frank! ~ Wendy Cook Cottonwood, SD (3/15/2013)
  • I'm just so sad she's gone from this earth, Frank, Chuck and Shirley and family, Jim and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will never forget how much fun it was to listen to her stories of the Ireland trip, I loved it. See you later. ~ Mary Kay Sandal Plainview, SD (3/15/2013)
  • We are so saddened to hear of Rita's passing... She was a gem that will never be forgotten--the way she carried her smile and positive energy with her wherever she went. We are so blessed to have known such a wonderful woman and pray that all of your wonderful memories will help you through through the days ahead. Love, Brock & Brittany & Family ~ Brock & Brittany Smith Philip, SD (3/15/2013)
  • Frank, Chuck, Jim & Families - My sincerest sympathy to you all during this time. Rita was a very special lady with her ready smile and encouraging words of wisdom. I will always treasure her and Frank's visits at the cafe. ~ Bonnie Fitzgerald Memphis, TN (3/15/2013)
  • I visited the Golden Public Library today where I'd worked with Rita some years ago. The staff there told me of Rita's death. I was surely saddened by the news. Rita was always such a feisty, health conscious, active individual. I always enjoyed working with her. She was a hoot. She had that combination of frankness and sincerity that was endearing. She pretty much called it like she saw it; she had a lot of insight. I loved the stories she shared following a visit to the family ranch. She surely could make us laugh. I'm grateful I got to know her and will hold my memory of her close to my heart. All my best wishes to her husband, Frank, who she adored, as well as her family and friends who played such a large role in the colorful stories she shared. ~ Barbara Contreras 13568 W. 25th Place, Golden, CO 80401 (3/15/2013)
  • Working with Rita at the library was the highlight of my day. We shared many interests. We were both former middle school teachers (which takes an unusual personality!), we embraced alternative medicines, and we were on the same spiritual path. We even shared a love for unusual names! I will miss her stories and insights. I am so sorry for your loss, Frank. ~ Betsy Johlgren Golden, CO (3/15/2013)
  • We just heard of Rita's death. Our heartfelt sympathy, Frank. A lovely lady will now grace the gates in heaven. ~ Gerrie & Dave Hendrickson Green Valley AZ (3/15/2013)
  • I just found out about Rita's death. I'm so sad. What a wonderful human being. Sympathies to Frank and the family. You are missed Rita. ~ Terri Mungle Denver CO (3/15/2013)
  • I just learned from the CU Alum magazine of Rita's passing. Rita and I hadn't seen each other since the days she spent sailing with us in the Sea of Cortez, but I have only the best memories of our teaching years in Wheatridge and our continuing friendship. Best wishes to you, Frank, as you grieve her passing. ~ Kathy Babcock Green Valley, AZ (3/15/2013)