Rita J. Nelson, 86, of Vero Beach, died peacefully Sunday, May 23, 2021 surrounded by family.

She was born to the late John P. Jaso and Mildred Kach on October 12, 1934 in Donora, Pennsylvania. Rita graduated from Donora High School in 1952 and attended the University of Pittsburgh. She moved to Vero Beach in 1961 where she began her career at Indian River Citrus Bank.

After retiring in the early 2000s, Rita spent time traveling. Her favorite destinations include Ireland, France, Italy and Victoria, British Columbia. She enjoyed playing cards, tennis, mahjong, and dominoes with family and friends. She was an active member of St. Helen Catholic Church.

Rita is survived by her two sons David (Carrie) Nelson of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jim (Nancy) Nelson, of Vero Beach. She is also survived by her six grandchildren Brian (Casey), Ben (Sophie), Chris, Aaron, Amy and Alex, and her great-granddaughter Evelyn.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 28 from 2-4pm at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home. A funeral service will then be held from 4-5pm followed by burial at Crestlawn Cemetery.

The family would like to honor the services provided by the VNA hospice. In lieu of flowers, please make donations payable to VNA Visiting Nurse Association.

Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Rita's memorial page at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com .