Rita Aleong Mitchell

Rita Aleong Mitchell, 87, formerly of NYC and the Virgin Islands, died on Monday in Syracuse, NY. She was born in Trinidad, West Indies on March 7, 1925 to Mabel and Joseph Aleong. She is the sister of the late Burnelle Dore (Aunty B), Doreen Bush (Aunty Sue), Sheila Bowen (Aunty Sheila), and is survived by her brother, Joseph Burnett (92); sister, Imelda Gowasack (96); her husband, Eric Mitchell; and her life-long friend, Helen Vecchio.

Rita was formerly educated in Trinidad, West Indies. From there in 1954, she met and married Eric Mitchell and moved to NYC. There she worked nights in banking and in Eric’s beauty salon. In 1959 she moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands hoping to improve her first son’s health. On the island of St. Croix, Rita taught Catholic grade school, had her second son and found time to write newspaper columns and work as a photographer. Rita also worked for the Government of the Virgin Islands as a Secretary and in the late 1960’s worked with League of Women Voters, Virgin Islands Chapter, as an advocate. Rita was Secretary to the District Superintendent of the Dept. of Education, the position she retired from in 1987.

In 1989, Rita moved to Syracuse, NY where she lived for 23 years until her passing. Here she has a wealth of loved ones that care for her dearly.

Along with, Fabian and Basil, her two surviving children, she also leaves granddaughter, Danielle, and two great-grandchildren, N’Gai and Charis, along with many nieces and nephews. She has surely left her mark.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 4 p.m. at FARONE & SON FUNERAL HOME.

Calling hours will be held prior to the memorial service from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home, 1500 Park Street, Syracuse.

Condolences may be offered at www.faroneandson.com.