On October 1, 2024, our community got a little dimmer when Mary Rita died. Mary Rita was a deeply empathic and inspiring woman who made everyone around her feel seen, valued, and loved. Her fierce 18-year battle with ovarian cancer defied the odds—fueled by her love for her family and community, sense of adventure, humor, and resilience. Despite enduring numerous treatments over the years, she lived fully—loving fiercely, dancing, teaching, advocating and creating community wherever she went. To be with Mary Rita was to feel at home, and her legacy is one of strength, joy, and unrelenting love.