Rita Kathryn Sabins

Rita Kathryn Sabins, 80, of Sullivan, died Sunday, January 11, at home. Born on April 23, 1945 in Rome New York, she was the daughter of the late Francesco Alouicious and Mary (nee Lula) Petronella. Rita grew up in New York before moving to San Jose. Following her time in California, in 1978 she moved to Sullivan, staying until 1990 when she moved to Denver, then to Indianapolis where she stayed until moving back to Sullivan in 2017.

Rita worked at the Reed House and the New London Hospital for several years as a surgical assistant. While living in Indianapolis she worked at the AmVetspost 99. Rita played on bowling leagues and was a member of the AmVetsLadies Auxiliary where she helped with their BINGO. A devoted mother, Rita enjoyed supporting her children in their baseball and softball leagues and made dance costumes for her daughter’s recitals.

Survivors include her children, Tracy Lynn (Steve) Sabins Jenkins, of Sullivan, Charles John Sabins Jr, of Florida, and Lisa Kathryn Sabins, of Spencer; grandchildren, Amanda Marie (Don) Sabins Xu, Ashley Lynn Sabins; step-grandchildren, Heather Boone, and Steven Wesley (Andrea) Jenkins Jr; great-grandchildren, Lyra Xu, Kai Xu, Lucius Xu, and Elias Grant; step-great-grandchildren, Hailey Lloyd, Ryan Lloyd, Wesley Jenkins, and Easton Jenkins; and siblings, Tyke Petronella, of CA, and Rosemary Bennett, of Rome NY. In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Charles John Sabins, Sr., and siblings, Jerry Petronella, Constance Goodman, Chuck Petronella, and Donny Lula.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Norton-Eastman Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family and expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.