Martha Nichols Rakita

96, of Tampa, FL passed away on July 27, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Philadelphia, PA, on February 6, 1922 to the late William B. and Anna S. Nichols. Martha is preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, William Harry Rakita; son, William Harry Rakita, Jr. (Connie); brother, Frank Nichols. She is survived by her children, David Nichols Rakita (Bobbi) and Nancy Rakita Winn (George); sister, Anna Catherine Nichols; grandchildren, Brittany Rakita, Branden Rakita, Matthew Winn (Amanda), Bonnie Sturdevant (Wesley), Karin Rakita Fenty, Megan Winn Wendell (Andrew); great grandchildren, Connor Wendell, Everett Winn, and William Sturdevant. She graduated with honors from both Frankford High School, and the University of Rochester, and raised her family in Levittown, Pennsylvania. She and her husband hosted neighbors in the new Levittown community and a new church was formed, now known as Resurrection Lutheran Church. She taught History and English at Delhaas High School, and was the yearbook advisor. She summered in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, a Methodist Camp Meeting, most summers of her life. Her historical interest was evident as she was an active member of the Historical Society of Ocean Grove, served as president, organized multiple fundraising events for the betterment of the community, and led walking tours well into her 80s. As grandchildren arrived, she became a resident of Tampa, and despite being a newcomer, immediately began volunteering at Plant Museum. She loved bicycling her entire life, and once widowed and retired, rode every day, during the Bicentennial in the USA, and 12 European bicycle trips in her 60s and 70s. She spent many hours on bleachers, the greatest cheerleader for many family members in their sport of choice, and a Tampa Bay Rays season ticket holder during multiple seasons. As a lifelong Methodist, she loved and served at Hyde Park United Methodist in Tampa. She loved to play bridge with family and friends, playing regularly until Fall 2017, but is most remembered as a Grandma Extraordinaire. Devoted to others, she gave her all to everything she did, with a big smile and enthusiasm, a caring role model, who taught us how to give unconditional love. We will celebrate her life with a memorial service on Monday, August 6, 2018 at 11am at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 500 W. Platt St., Tampa, FL 33606. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hyde Park United Methodist Church, Metropolitan Ministries, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, or a charity of your choice. www.blountcurrymacdill.com