Obituary for Anna Rita Kouvaros
Anna Rita Kouvaros, 65, of Sinking Spring, was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She passed away on August 2, 2023, surrounded by her devoted family.
Born in Ascoli Piceno, Marche, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Guido and Maddalena (DiCarlo) Castiglioni. She leaves behind her loving husband, Michael Kouvaros. Together, they recently celebrated 46 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three loving children: Melissa, wife of Jeffrey Singer, and their two children, Stella and Lucas; Jessica, wife of Marc Wiener, and their three children, Madeline, Maxson, and Michaela; and Aris and his family, Tiffany Philippe, and children, Elle and Balthazar, along with grand bulldog, Lucy.
She privately battled her breast cancer bravely and with tremendous strength, never complaining and always focusing on the things for which she was grateful. Her laugh, sparkling eyes, and her smile were always present, and always lit up the room. Rita was the family matriarch (and Queen), loving and supportive and fiercely protective of her children and grandchildren.
Everyone who knew Rita knew her kids and grandchildren were her everything. Her life’s work was building her beautiful family, and she left us with conviction knowing her work would thrive on. To each family member, she was their loudest cheerleader and biggest supporter. There was nothing she would not do for her family and friends.
Christmas Eve and Day at the farmhouse were her favorite traditions, and it was true magic to be a part of it (and witness the family secret that she was the best cook). She had a profound belief in the Catholic faith, and there was not a church in the world that could keep her from visiting to light a candle.
Michael, Melissa, Jessica, Aris, and their families will continue to pass on her faith and traditions. We will honor her legacy by lighting candles on our adventures to make sure her light will be eternal.
Our family is forever grateful to Dr. Tjoumakaris for saving Rita’s life and giving her eight more blessed years to continue watching her family grow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rita may be made in support of Dr. Stavropoula Tjoumakaris’ Neurovascular Research at Jefferson. Please make checks payable to “Thomas Jefferson University”, add to the memo line, “Dr. Stavropoula Tjoumakaris’ Neurovascular Research,” and mail to: Office of Institutional Advancement, 125 S. 9th Street, Suite 600, Philadelphia PA 19107, or donate online at Jefferson.edu/giveneuro. Select "other" and write in the additional notes "Dr. Stavropoula Tjoumakaris’ Neurovascular Research”.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Rita will be celebrated on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, 3121 Kutztown Rd, Reading, PA 19605, with committal to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery Mausoleum’s Chapel of St. George. Visitation with the family will be Saturday at Holy Guardian Angels from 9:30 a.m. until the start of Mass. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.
Born in Ascoli Piceno, Marche, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Guido and Maddalena (DiCarlo) Castiglioni. She leaves behind her loving husband, Michael Kouvaros. Together, they recently celebrated 46 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three loving children: Melissa, wife of Jeffrey Singer, and their two children, Stella and Lucas; Jessica, wife of Marc Wiener, and their three children, Madeline, Maxson, and Michaela; and Aris and his family, Tiffany Philippe, and children, Elle and Balthazar, along with grand bulldog, Lucy.
She privately battled her breast cancer bravely and with tremendous strength, never complaining and always focusing on the things for which she was grateful. Her laugh, sparkling eyes, and her smile were always present, and always lit up the room. Rita was the family matriarch (and Queen), loving and supportive and fiercely protective of her children and grandchildren.
Everyone who knew Rita knew her kids and grandchildren were her everything. Her life’s work was building her beautiful family, and she left us with conviction knowing her work would thrive on. To each family member, she was their loudest cheerleader and biggest supporter. There was nothing she would not do for her family and friends.
Christmas Eve and Day at the farmhouse were her favorite traditions, and it was true magic to be a part of it (and witness the family secret that she was the best cook). She had a profound belief in the Catholic faith, and there was not a church in the world that could keep her from visiting to light a candle.
Michael, Melissa, Jessica, Aris, and their families will continue to pass on her faith and traditions. We will honor her legacy by lighting candles on our adventures to make sure her light will be eternal.
Our family is forever grateful to Dr. Tjoumakaris for saving Rita’s life and giving her eight more blessed years to continue watching her family grow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rita may be made in support of Dr. Stavropoula Tjoumakaris’ Neurovascular Research at Jefferson. Please make checks payable to “Thomas Jefferson University”, add to the memo line, “Dr. Stavropoula Tjoumakaris’ Neurovascular Research,” and mail to: Office of Institutional Advancement, 125 S. 9th Street, Suite 600, Philadelphia PA 19107, or donate online at Jefferson.edu/giveneuro. Select "other" and write in the additional notes "Dr. Stavropoula Tjoumakaris’ Neurovascular Research”.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Rita will be celebrated on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, 3121 Kutztown Rd, Reading, PA 19605, with committal to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery Mausoleum’s Chapel of St. George. Visitation with the family will be Saturday at Holy Guardian Angels from 9:30 a.m. until the start of Mass. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.