Rita Joanne Lunn

Softly and tenderly on August 12, 2010, our compassionate Lord called RITA HOSPEDALES WILSON LUNN from this life to life eternal. She was a very remarkable woman with high standards and integrity. Rita was the third child of nine children born to Agnes Antoine Hospitalizes and Miller Hospedales on April 3, 1941 in Siparia, Trinidad. Reared in a Christian home, Rita's first steps on her faith journey were learned from her parents. She received her primary education in Siparia and attended the La Divina Pastor Roman Catholic Church. Her first marriage ended in divorce and she migrated to the United States, where she settled in Brooklyn, New York. Rita loved learning and was an outstanding student. She worked numerous jobs including one as an overseas telephone operator with AT&T while pursing her education. Rita was a self starter who set and achieved her goals, She received an associate degree in Nursing from Kingsbourgh Community College. Working diligently to obtain her goals, she did not forget the loved ones she left behind in Trinidal. She showered them with gifts of clothing and money. After the death of her father, she assisted her mother with the expenses of raising her younger siblings; many of whom she sponsored to come to the United States. One of her first nursing assignment was as a staff nurse at the Lutherman Medical Center in Brooklyn,New York (1995- 1976). Rita moved to Baltimore, Maryland after applying for and accepting a position with the John Hopkins Intensive Coronary Care Unit ( 1976- 1978). From 1978- 1980, Rita worked as a staff nurse in the Emergency Department of Baltimore City Hospital. In 1980 Rita Obtained her Bachelor of Science in nursing, while working in the Emergency Room at the University of Maryland Hospital. She continued to work long hours in the Emergency Room at University while pursuing a Master of Science in May of 1983. Majoring in Gerontological Nursing with a minor in Medical- Surgical Nursing and continuing to moonlight at University Hospital, She accepted a full-time position as a Nurse Surveyor with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene ( 1985- 1987). In 1986 she met the love of her life, Andrew Lunn Sr.. who had recently lost his first wife to cancer. They became best friends and confidants who did everything together. They enjoyed traveling and were united in marriage in 1988. He often told her the most attractive thing about her was her willingness to help her fellow man, whether it was family members, friends or complete strangers. Lured by one of her best friends ( Dr. Rose Stanfield), Rita accepted a position as a Clinical Nurse specialist at Spring Grove Hospital, where she worked from 1987-2003. 1n 1986 she was inducted into the National Honor Society of Sigma Theta Tau. Rita served in the Health Ministry of St. Matthew’s Church. As a clinical Nurse Specialist, Rita had a willingness to learn and was a stickler for Nursing standards. She enjoyed the teaching aspect of Nursing, setting up workshop and in service training sessions for staff nurses and other health personnel. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, I became one of her students. She informed me that I needed to research as much information as I could on the disease process. She was familiar with what she was facing as a patient and me as a caregiver. She knew it was going to be very challenging and I assured her that I was up to the task. We enjoyed our time together and traveled when we could. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Andrew; three sons, Michael Wilson, Kenneth Wilson and Curtis Wilson; three stepchildren, Andrea Lunn Traynham, Pamela Lunn Carrington and Andrew Lunn Jr.; eighteen grandchildren; four sisters, Norma, Christine, Pauline and Judy; one brother, Cecil Hospedales; four daughter-in-law, five brothers-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wealth of friends.

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Rita Joanne Lunn

April 3, 1941 - August 12, 2010