My Auntie Rita's laugh was like none other.  It started as a giggle, then her laugh...oh how I can hear her laugh.  You might just be listening in on the Aunt and Uncle's conversation while they had a cup of tea and/or coffee in the kitchen, then you'd hear Auntie Rita start to giggle - then laugh!  And how that laugh spread.  You could not help it.  Her laugh was like being tickled...you laughed too!  No idea why or at what...but you couldn't help it.  You smiled, then chuckled then YOU were laughing because she lit up when she laughed.  That smile...her face bright...she glowed when she laughed, and you did too, just the joy of hearing her.  Because no one made you laugh like she did.

When in the Trailblazers or Centurions Drum Corp. it was Auntie Rita's face and smile you saw coming off the competition field.  It was her who during a 5 mile parade put rubbing alcohol on the back of  your neck to cool you off from a hot summer parade.  It was Auntie Rita and Uncle Chic who made a lonely child feel like a million!  She and Uncle Chic cheered you on and you never felt so proud to see them and hear them.  I know she is with her loved ones.  I'm sure Uncle Chic met her, leaning on his Indian Motorcycle saying:  "Ri (Ree) let's go for a ride."   Memories like this stay with you forever!   Love, Beverly