Rita Marie White passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Rita was born in Guilford County, N.C., on January 4, 1949; her parents were Alfred Alexander and Rita Marie Trojan.

Rita is survived by her son Brent and his wife Dana. She also leaves behind her brothers, John (Mary) and Jim (Robin), and sisters Terry LeLiever (Bill) and Tricia Hartzog (Dan), and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dear friend, Lou Lipsitz.

Rita graduated from St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and became an Ob-Gyn nurse at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, N.C.

After a diagnosis of renal failure, Rita received a kidney transplant in 1987, and she made the most of her second chance. She started a cookie business before returning to UNC-Greensboro, where she earned a BS degree in Information Systems, graduating summa cum laude. She then joined the startup company, TriMed Technologies, where she was an integral part of their success before retiring. Rita’s kidney transplant astonished everyone by lasting 35 years, a record at Duke Hospital.

Rita always had a kind heart and gentle manner and was loved by all who knew her. As one family member said, she had a contagious smile and amazing kindness and grace to match. Everyone who knew Rita would agree with that. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, July 16, at 2 p.m. at the Community Church of Chapel Hill Unitarian Universalist at 106 Purefoy Road, Chapel Hill.

Rich and Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services of Burlington is serving the family.