Dr. Rita L. Robinson

Dr. Rita Robinson, Ladies of Charity Caregiving Board of Directors, LCUSA National Board – Vice President Mid Atlantic Region (2013-2014 and 2015-2016), President of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. Association (2012-2014), and a Lady of Charity since 2002

It is with great sadness that I forward the message below. Rita was such a wonderful vivacious lady loved by all who knew her. Spunky, spirited, a fierce advocate, loyal friend, and defender of those marginalized. Dr. Rita Robinson will be greatly missed but we know she is at Peace. To be absent of the body is to be present with the Lord! We rejoice through our sadness as we continue praying for her family.

Debbie Chadwick, President, Ladies of Charity USA


Dear OLPH Church Family and ADW Ladies of Charity,

It is with extreme sadness to inform you of the passing of Dr. Rita L. Robinson today – January 8, 2019, after a valiant fight against cancer. Although this disease won the battle, Rita has won her reward in heaven. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Please continue to keep Rita’s family in your prayers at this very difficult time as they mourn her passing.

Thank you to [Rita’s] daughter Gail for sharing this information at this difficult time.

Peace, & Blessings,

Toni Gaines
Ladies of Charity, Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.

For more information/ to send an expression of sympathy please contact the LCUSA National Service Center.


The funeral arrangements for Dr. Rita L. Robinson are as follows:

Friday, January 18, 2019
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
1600 Morris Road, SE
Washington, DC 20020

Visitation: 9:00 am – 9:30 am
Reflections/Tributes: 9:30 am – 10:15 am
Visitation: 10:15 am – 11:00 am
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 am

Repast provided by the OLPH Lazarus Bereavement Ministry immediately following the Mass in the church hall (Panorama Room).

Interment private the next day for family.

Please keep Rita’s family in your prayers during their time of bereavement. Thank you to ​Doris Savoy for sharing this information.

11 thoughts on “Dr. Rita L. Robinson

  1. “Time is not measured by the years that you live, but by the deeds that you do and the joy that you give- and each day as it comes brings a chance for each one to love to the fullest, leaving nothing undone that would brighten the life or lighten the load of some weary traveler lost on Life’s Road- So what does it matter how long we may live, if as long as we live, we unselfishly give”. Helen Steiner Rice
    This is our thought of Dr. Robinson, because it is befitting of her. She lived an unselfish life and gave of herself unconditionally. A champion for those unable to help themselves and in need of an advocate. She will always be remembered as a fighter for the less fortunate.
    God Bless,
    Jerry & Celina

  2. A Sister who will be missed for her love for others, evangelical spirit and wisdom.

  3. I was honored to succeed Rita as President, Ladies of Charity, Archdiocese of Washington, in 2014. Rita was a wonderful role model and mentor. She was profoundly devoted to the Ladies of Charity organization at all levels, notably the Vincentian spirituality and mission. Despite her declining health these last few months, Rita attended the Pittsburgh National Assembly in September (accompanied by her dear husband, John, and sister, Carolyn). Rita also came to the Ladies of Charity Archdiocese of Washington, Fall Retreat in October (2018), held at the John Paul II Center, Washington DC, again when she was evidently not feeling well (and had to leave early). She possessed tireless energy and always encouraged others, to do more and to aspire to be positive. I am deeply grateful that Rita walked among us but I will miss her dearly. She leaves a lasting legacy with the Ladies of Charity Archdiocese of Washington organization.

    Mary Louise Hand
    Past President
    Ladies of Charity Archdiocese of Washington
    2014-2016

    1. When I first joined the LOC and attended my first conference, it was Rita who took my hand in blessing. She is, and will always be, the standard of a Lady of Charity, and I will miss her deeply.

  4. Rita was one of the finest people I ever met. Her intelligence, combined with compassion for all was the wisdom she shared with all of us. A visionary leader, a tireless advocate and a spirited team member made her a joy to work with on the National Board of LCUSA. We are all blessed by Rita’s life. May she continue to bless us as she rests in the heart of our God.

  5. Rita was also a vital board member of the Ladies of Charity caregiving project. She would always remind us to never forget the caregivers and the family members. To all of you who cared for Rita, know how much Rita loved and appreciated you.

  6. Trustee Rita Robinson was an avid supporter and a great friend of Prince George’s Community College. She was never one to be satisfied by the norm but wanted all to achieve the highest possible. She will be missed by her Community College family.

  7. Rita and I became friends as members of the National Board for Ladies of Charity. We both had a strong devotion to the Rosary and Our Blessed Lady. She always attended the early morning Rosary prior to our Annual National Assembly Conferences. I last saw her in Pittsburgh with her beautiful smile!

  8. She was a devoted and committed person in every aspect of her life. When she was honored in Prince George’s County, she could not stop smiling. She was a sister, a friend, and her warm caring spirit will certainly be missed by one and all. The SJC will keep in the front of our own hearts the gentle spirit she exuded and the calmness she displayed when making her points. She will be remembered for her love of the Rosary, and more importantly, her love for people from every walk of life. “Hail Holy Queen, Mother of God” receive Dr. Rita Robinson as she enters your kingdom and takes her place among the saints of saints. May her soul rest in peace.

  9. Dr. Rita Robinson was grounded in who she was as a woman who over came challenges in her life. She was a leader and mentor to all who would listen. As Immediate Past President I trusted her advice and opinion. We started taking walks at each assembly and she encouraged me to be true to whom I am knowing my path is unique as her. I pray her spirit guides us all as we the Ladies of Charity continue in our quest to do God’s will in our lives.

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