Rita M. Varga Ms.
February 19, 1949 ~ December 3, 2014
Born in:
Philadelphia, PA
Resided in:
Duluth, GA
Rita Varga loved her career with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Over her 23-year career, her assignments included postings in Indianapolis, Fulton County Georgia, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. She ended her career as a training supervisor in the Tuberculosis Elimination Division (DTBE) at CDC Headquarters in Atlanta. Rita was a member of the Watsonian Society.
Prior to her federal service, Rita taught Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics for 14 years at the high school level in New Jersey.
Rita loved gardening, crafting and shopping. She always thought of others and was generous in spirit and in action. She had a can-do attitude about everything that crossed her path. Her perseverance in seeing things through to completion will be greatly missed. Rita knew how to laugh and see the lighter side in even dark situations.
Rita Varga, 65, died December 3rd 2014 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta. She is survived by her brother, Michael Varga of Norcross, Georgia, an aunt, Rose Comitta of West Chester, Pennsylvania, three nephews and one niece.
A memorial service will be held Sunday December 21st 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Wages & Sons Funeral Home, 1031 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046.
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I worked with Rita at CDC and through the Watsonian Society. She was a loyal, faithful and hard working Public Health Advisor. She made many contributions to CDC and to those colleagues who she touched. May she rest in peace. She passed away too young and will be greatly missed. Comfort and peace to her family.
I worked with Rita at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, for over a decade. She was a Public Health Advisor in our Division, responsible for the training and support of our staff that were assigned to state and local health department across the country. She was doggedly persistent in the execution of her duties. Everyone I knew respected her; I never heard one person say a bad word about her. Rita’s word was her bond…..if she said that she would do something, she always followed through. I’ll always be grateful for the assistance that she provided me when I returned to the Division. Because many in her family died early in life, she knew that she would probably not live a long life. She faced that possibility with great courage and lived her life to the absolute maximum. She will be missed by many and I’m confident that there will be a large turnout at her memorial service on the 21st.
Rita was one of a kind and a wonderful person to be with. She had an excellent wit and was always ready to learn new things. She was a member of our Evergreen Garden Club since 2009 and jumped right in with activities from the start. We will miss her more than words can say but we hope she is happily gardening in God’s garden forever.
Dear Michael, so sorry to read about Rita’s passing. Did not expect it. My deespest sentiments go for you and the rest of the family.
Ms. Varga was small in stature, but a collosus in kindness! She was our (that is, field staff) adoptive mother. I recall in 2008, shortly after I joined FSEB and was stationed in Newark, New Jersey, the folks at Benefits were having a hard time getting me to make my health insurance selection. After a few unsuccessful phone calls to me, they knew exactly what to do: report me to “mother” Rita! She rang me up. As soon as I picked up the phone, she said “Patrick, go ahead and enroll in health coverage today”. My answer: yes ma’am! Mother had spoken, and I must act. May the good Lord grant your soul eternal rest, Amen.
Friend, colleague, and mentor…Thank you Rita for all that you gave us. You will be missed.
I didn’t kow Rita nearly as well as I knew her brother, but what I knew adds exclamation points to the facts up there. Rita added a bit of class to everything she touched, from the delicious dishes she made to when she just entered a room. I think everyone felt Rita’s presence as a wave of positive. I’m lucky to have known her, and know she will be missed by a lot more people than her family.
For me, Rita Varga was far more than just a co-worker; Rita was a friend and a confidant, and here I do not exaggerate. Rita expressed her concern for myself and others as one would do for a beloved family member. I am very saddened that Rita is no longer with us. I find solace in knowing that she is now with the Lord. May Rita forever rest in peace. My sincerest condolences go to her CDC family, and especially to her Brother Michael for whom I know she cared very deepy.
My late sister is survived also by me, her brother Wilson of Alexandria, Virginia. May my sister rest eternally in peace.
Rita was a very special person. She knew how to make things move even when others said movement was highly unlikely. I worked with Rita for a number of years at CDC/NCHHSTP. She was an exceptional lady, very giving, fair and firm. She was committed to her work at CDC and when we met she was working in TB and responsible for field staff career development. Rita pulled out all the stops when advocating for field staff needs. She was an amazing person and she will be missed.
It was such a shock to hear that Rita transitioned to be with our Heavenly Father. What can I say about Momma Rita? It’s very simple. Momma Rita took care of the Public Health Advisors. She orchestrated trainings, planned the Watsonian Society events, and more. She was considered the timekeeper at the NTCA meetings making sure all field staff made to the meetings on time, especially the PHAs. Most importantly, she was a beautiful person.
Isaiah 25:8 “God will swallow up death forever and will wipe tears from all faces.”
Such a sweet spirit to be around. Peace always seem to be around her.
I will miss you at our AARP community meetings. RIP MY FRIEND..
The death of Rita had deeply saddened us. Although we never met her but we knew from Michael a great deal of her life and of the numerous tragedies that she had in this world. Indeed, her loss is too painful for her brother to bear. Hence, it would be very hard for us to find the right words to bring comfort to Michael and to those who loved her.
We brought nothing to this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (1 Tim. 6.7).
May God, the comfort of the sad, and the strength of those who suffer let the lights of His Power perpetually shine upon the soul of Rita and work in her the good purpose of His perfect Will.
Rita was warm, pushy because she cared and she had a lot of love for others. She was very generous with her knowledge and she would share it with you. I was in a car accident with my family in 1997 and Rita called me every other day if not every day to see how I and my family were doing. She sent my work mail and advised me about everything I needed to do to get back on my feet. I can’t say enough good things about Rita other then I want to be ready when Jesus comes. I hope that I meet the short pushy lady with the great smile there as well.
Rita and I shared the same birthday. We celebrated last year at my home and we truly enjoyed ourselves with my family and friends,. We also worked together for a couple of years where our friendship grew and we bonded. I will miss her but she is in a better place where she will not have to worry any more. May her soul rest in Peace.
Our favorite memory of Rita was the day she became Godmother to her brother Paul and Roxana’s youngest, Anthony James Varga. The living room was filled with everyone ready to head out to St. Lawrence O’Toole for the Christening. Rita’s niece, Andrea and nephews, Jason and Kenneth were waiting as the responsibility fell on the soon to be godparents to handle a dipper change. We’ll never forget the glow Rita had that day!
May Rita, her brother Paul, and her parents all enjoy the eternal peace of heaven they so richly deserve.
The world is a sadder place without Rita. A powerhouse of good humor, keen mind, fine intentions and warm personality in a small package, she was an outstanding person who always welcomed Ronald and me with open arms and a big heart. May she rest in peace.
I got to know Rita through Michael. I instantly connected with her and felt like I had known her forever. Always smiling, cheerful, full of great energy, just my kind of person. She loved her family very much and was a wonderful support to Michael. Her eyes always beamed the brightest when she talked about their fun escapades and her eyes turned to concern when she talked about his health. I would say, “rest in peace,” but from conversations with Michael, we are much busier in heaven then we think. So I will say, “spread your sunshine across the heavens Rita, and shine on those who need it on earth. It’s what you do best.” Love you, sister of my dear friend.
Rita you were a dear friend and neighbor. You were like a grandma to our kids. It was so comforting to know you were here and glad to help any time we needed anything. We kept an eye out for each other. Your smiles and chats at the mailbox are greatly missed. We appreciate your friendship and are grateful you are celebrating in a place with no more pain or sickness. We will miss you and look forward to celebrating with you when our time is finished here. Much love.
After not being in touch for many years, Rita & I were able to connect again over the last two years by e-mail. I am so thankful for that because she was a true friend to me. The world has lost a truly gracious, special person. I send my condolences to Mike and the family. May Rita enjoy the peace she so richly earned. I will miss her,
Rita, you are the sister of my heart. I will be forever grateful that you came into my life and the lives of my family-all who are feeling your loss as well. We feel blessed because you loved all of us. Everyone has recalled special moments or times that you touched their lives-Charles, Stefanie, Debbie, Gregory, and my Mom. We know that we have a special angel looking out for us now. You sure will be kept busy! I miss you but I know that you are no longer in pain. When I need to feel closer to you, I will meet you at our special place, the beach. I love you and may you rest in peace. May perpetual light shine upon you.