Born on August 23rd, 1921 to John and Helena Metter in Centerline, MI, Rita Lorraine emanated warmth, class and kindness from the beginning. The sixth of seven children, she was spirited, strong-willed and of strong faith.
At just sixteen, Rita began singing on the radio, performing alongside legends like Danny Thomas in Detroit. Her stage name was "Jackie" and she would have had a dazzling career if it weren't for her implacable stage fright. A stunning beauty, Rita captured the attention and hearts of many, including a suave and persistent young man who kept cutting in on her dance partners one evening at the Latin Quarter. Victor Sabatini soon stole Rita's heart and the couple wed two years later, on December 30th, 1939. They were married for 73 years.
During WWII, Rita became a riveter, working tirelessly to support her countrymen overseas. In 1955, she and her family moved to California where Rita worked for Lockheed Martin until her retirement in 1983. Ten years later, she and Victor followed their daughter's family to Salt Lake City, UT.
Rita went peacefully early Saturday morning, August 19, 2017, just four days before her 96th birthday. She is survived by her sons, Ronald Victor and spouse Cherie Sabatini, and Bruce Douglas and spouse Louvie Sabatini; her daughter Victoria Maria (Sabatini) and spouse Bill Chaney; nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Affectionately called "Saint Rita" by some for her strong faith and unwavering kindness, she was best known for her warm smile and sparkling eyes — a timeless beauty, even at the end. Rita was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She touched the lives of all who were lucky enough to know her and will be greatly missed.
A viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South Sandy, UT on Friday, August 25th at 7PM. Funeral mass will be hosted at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 300 East 11800 South Draper, UT at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 26th. Entombment will take place at the Larkin Sunset Gardens cemetery.
