Rita Johanne Vigil passed into eternity and saw the smiling face of her Savior, Jesus Christ on January 20, 2025, at age 88 just shy of her 89th birthday in February.
Born in Walsenburg, Colorado, she was preceded in death by her father, John B. (Johannes Baptiste) Vigil, her mother, Annette Marie Pique Vigil, and sister, Barbara Laverne Vigil Hudson.
Rita was a talented actress, pianist and a musician accomplished at many instruments.
She was also a gifted and dedicated artist and teacher, her primary vocation serving in the Order of the Sisters of Loretto for decades, as well as teaching as a lay practitioner for many years.
Rita will be remembered by all whose lives she touched with her unique personality and dedication to excellence. She leaves behind a grieving sister, Dollie Hodge, of Missouri.
Dollie always credits her sister, Rita, with providing the encouragement she needed for her success as an artist, teacher and entertainer based in the arts. Rita credited Dollie with the same encouragement for her.
Rita will be inurned in the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, America the Beautiful Columbarium, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Rita’s name can be made to Southwest Indian Foundation (https://www.southwestindian.com/donate).