Mrs. Rita A. Casanave, 89, Altoona, died Monday afternoon at UPMC Altoona, after a brief illness. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Demetrios “Jimmy” and Stavroula (Alatza) Armenis. On

Apr. 16, 1966, she married Attorney N. John Casanave at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona. He preceded her in death Aug. 21, 2015.

Rita retired as a journalist from the Altoona Mirror newspaper.

She was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Altoona.

Rita was a 1949 graduate of Altoona High School and a 1953 graduate of Penn State University, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She was a past member of the Altoona Symphony League. After taking time off after college to travel Europe, including hiking in the Alps, she began her career in the newspaper industry at the Williamsport-Sun Gazette before moving back to Altoona to work at the Altoona Mirror.

She is survived by two sons, John J. Casanave and Eric A. (Jen) Casanave, both of Altoona; two granddaughters, Elina Stavroula and Isabella Maria Casanave; and a sister-in-law, Hilda (Richard) Bertotti of Hendersonville, Tenn.

A private funeral service for family only will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, 2020, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Altoona, with Fr. Joseph Cervo officiating.

Committal rites will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Altoona.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no public visitation.

In memory of Rita, please make contributions to St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen, 2201 Union Ave., Altoona, PA 16601.

Arrangements are by Jones Funeral Home, Altoona.