Rita Wright Colina

July 6, 1950 - April 6, 2022

Rita Wright Colina 71, of Houston passed away April 6, 2022. Rita was born July 6, 1950, in Keene, New Hampshire to Elliot and Olga Wright. She is preceded in death by her father Elliot. She is survived by husband Fernando Colina, of 47 years of marriage; children, Joseph Colina and Maria Colina; mother, Olga Wright; and sister, Diane Foley. Rita grew up in Keene, New Hampshire and graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in language education which she later furthered with a Master’s in education from the University of Houston. Her desire to perfect her Spanish led her to live in Spain where she met her husband, Fernando. Throughout her long teaching career, she taught Spanish to Elementary and High School students, as well as adults. Later, she found a passion for teaching English to recent immigrants, helping them acquire the everyday skills necessary to live and thrive in America. Rita enjoyed travel and she was an avid student of her Catholic faith. She was passionate about helping married couples strengthen their relationships. To this end, she presented Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends with her husband. Rita was gentle, compassionate, and had a talent for making the people around her feel at ease. A faithful Catholic, she was courageous in defending her faith with words, deeds, and through the example of her life. She was fierce in the protection of her children and loved ones. Services will be held Monday April 11, 2022, with visitation beginning at 6:00 PM and rosary service at 7:00 PM at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079. Funeral Mass will be held the following morning Tuesday April 12, 2022, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail Houston, TX 77079. Rita will be laid to rest at Holy Rosary Cemetery, Rochester, New Hampshire. In lieu of flowers please consider a charitable donation to: The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation (www.jamesfoleyfoundation.org ) The Fr. Chuck Gallagher Legacy Fund (Worldwide Marriage Encounter) (https://wwme.org/community/supporting-wwme/sharing-your-treasure/fr-chuck-gallagher-sj-legacy-fund/ )