Rita Frazee Hess

Rita Frazee Hess of North Scituate, RI passed away peacefully at Kent County Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Born on November 11, 1924 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Rita was the beloved wife of John James Hess, Lt. Colonel, US Marines. She was a devout Roman Catholic and an active parishioner of Saint Joseph Church in North Scituate, RI for the past 21 years. Rita lived in Slidell, Louisiana prior to moving to RI. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Mary Claire Hess, R. Deborah Simone, Priscilla E. Delmonico and Susan R. Hess. She was predeceased by her husband John and beloved oldest daughter, Stephanie L. Foster. Rita's faith, her family and her friends were the priorities in her life. Many photos of her children, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren filled the walls and tables throughout her house. Rita raised her five daughters largely on her own as her husband was often away for military duty. She ventured across the Pacific and the US with her young daughters. Rita was a dedicated volunteer. In Louisiana, she was a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Altar Society and the Women's guild at Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church. She volunteered at the Gift Shop and the hospice program at Slidell Memorial Hospital. In Rhode Island, she knitted hats for premature babies at Womens and Infants Hospital in Providence and helped at a local nursing home. During her years at the Scituate Senior Center, Rita became quite the artist and filled her house with painted pictures and Holiday crafts. She loved to watch figure skating and gymnastics and never turned down a cup of hot coffee or a cone of coffee ice cream. She enjoyed her outings as a member of the Red Hatters. Rita loved to watch people especially down by Scarborough Beach in the summer. Rita was best known for her fierce independence. She lived at home until her final days. There was always purpose in her step even after a fall at 100 slowed her down a bit. Rita will be buried next to her husband John at the Biloxi National Cemetery in Mississippi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Joseph Church in North Scituate at 11:00 a.m. on July 20, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Scituate Senior Center for its arts and crafts program or Saint Joseph Church.

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Rita Frazee Hess

June 24, 2026