Maria E. Pita Simoes Rito

Maria E. Pita Simoes Rito, age 97, of Collinsville, IL passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 16, 2023. She was born March 1, 1926 in Condeixa, Portugal to Joao Simoes Rito and Maria Dom Sucesso Pita.

Maria spent most of her life in Portugal before moving to the U.S. in 2009 to be in her daughter’s care. In her youth, she worked as a dental assistant, then later went on to own and manage a hotel, a restaurant, and a bookstore. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, playing Bunco, reselling goods, and above all else, spending time with her family. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for her tenacity, dedication, and loving nature.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Joao, Lourdes, Julio, and Isabel.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her beloved daughter, Maria A. Simoes Ramos Van Hoose and her husband, Dennis Van Hoose; grandchildren, Michael (Jamie) Van Hoose and Amy (Rick) Hamm; great-grandchildren, Sydney Van Hoose, Katie Van Hoose, and Tyler Hamm; brother, Raul, and sister, Teresa.

Maria will be accorded rites of cremation and laid to rest at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL. No formal services to be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Prospect Park United Methodist Church in Fairview Heights, IL, or to Unity Hospice in Collinsville, IL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeViewFuneralHm.com for the Pita Simoes Rito family.