Rita Marie Christopherson

Rita was born in Chicago on February 8, 1941, to Ed and Dorothy Gunty. While still very young, the family moved to Albq. to address her father’s health issues.  Shortly thereafter, her father died of tuberculosis.  A few years later, Dorothy married Wendelin E. Schaub, who lived just a few doors down, and Rita became the oldest in a family of ten siblings.  After graduating from St. Vincent’s Academy, Rita prayed, discerned and concluded that life as a wife and mother, rather than becoming a nun, was the best way to serve God.  Throughout her adult life, Rita shared her gifts and talents with her nine children, with fellow members of the Third Order of the Norbertine community, with numerous members of Catholic parishes, and for 13 years with the homeless of Albq. as the welcoming member of St. Martin’s Hospitality Center.   

Rita Gunty-Schaub-Christopherson will be missed by all 142 members of her family which include her eight younger brothers and sisters and their families, her nine children and their spouses, her 19 grandchildren and their spouses, and her 5 great-grandchildren, and dozens of close friends. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, her brother, and one of her granddaughters.  All who knew Rita will carry her love, her giving spirit, and her passion for offering God’s gifts to others as we continue OUR life’s journey.

A rosary will be said in Rita’s honor, followed by her eulogy, on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 5:00PM at Daniel’s Mortuary located at 7601 Wyoming Blvd.  The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 9:00AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church located at 5415 Fortuna Rd NW. A reception will follow the mass at the parish hall.  Graveside service will begin around 1:00PM at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery located at 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE Abq.  All who knew Rita are welcome to all gatherings.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St Martin's Hospitality Center. hopeworksnm.org 

Address: 1201 3rd St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102