Remembering Rita Moscioni

HURON — Many will remember Rita Moscioni in several different ways: • Some will recall her fearless spirit and spunky energy. • Others will never forget the unwavering loyalty always on display for those she loved, especially children. • And many more will forever associate her as being a friendly face and passionate person, guided by her strength and steadfast devotion to her hometown community. On Aug. 26, Moscioni, 80, passed away. A longtime resident of Huron, she made the community her home for 58 years, according to her obituary published by Foster Funeral Home. Then, over Labor Day weekend, Huron Schools announced the death of Moscioni — "who dedicated more than 45 years to Huron City Schools and worked a few days up until her passing — which generated hundreds of reactions for the beloved woman. To honor her legacy, district officials encouraged those in the school system to "turn it purple for Rita." "Staff and students are encouraged to wear purple as a joyful tribute to her life and impact," according to a district statement. In memory Rita was born and raised in Fremont, graduating from Green Springs High School in 1963. She earned her degree in education from Bowling Green State University. She was married to her beloved husband, Joseph Moscioni, for 58 years. "A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she especially loved her family and held a deep affection for the staff and students of Huron City Schools," according to her obituary. "She was also an avid sports fan," especially of Cleveland's Major League Baseball team and Ohio State. She was also a woman of strong faith. "Rita was a devoted member of St. Peter Catholic Church and attended Mass regularly," the obituary states. "She dedicated over 45 years of her life to serving the Huron City Schools, first as a school bus driver and later as an administrative assistant at McCormick Middle School and, most recently, at Woodlands Intermediate School. She also taught driver's education for many years and owned a driver instruction school." In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Huron Schools' student lunch fund. The fund provides meals for students in need. Donations can be sent to the elementary school or the board of education with an indication that the donation is in honor of Moscioni. Mourning Moscioni In addition to the upcoming tribute, the district shared a note on who she was and what she did in her years of serving students. "Rita poured her passion, energy and love into serving generations of Huron students," superintendent James Tatman said. "Her impact on this community is immeasurable, and we are all better for having known her." The Huron community is coming together to support those in the district: • The Erie County Crisis Team helped ensure students and employees had access to counseling and resources. • Businesses in the area also showed support, including the Huron Donut House's donation of 12 dozen donuts and Huron Domino's providing lunch for the staff. • Building principals and other leadership allowed flexibility in schedules so staff could attend services and support will continue in the coming days. In celebration of her life, Woodlands Elementary's main office is offering condolence notes. Staff members were also invited to write moments with Rita, which will be shared with her family. The district will continue to offer counselors and social workers in its buildings and encourages families to reach out to teachers or school counselors if additional support is needed for students. Pouring support Several community members shared their condolences and reminisced with memories of Moscioni: • "I will always remember Rita's kindness to me when I worked in a Northpoint room at Woodlands. Her genuine spirit and love for her job, the district — as well as the students — was evident every day. She will be deeply missed." — Mary Spayd-Armstrong • "She is already missed. What an awesome co-worker and friend, 45 years of dedication to Huron schools and families. She was my support during my last and very challenging year. I'll be forever grateful. Rest easy Rita." — Charla David-Johnson • "We loved Rita. All four of my girls experienced Rita's presence at Woodlands. She will be missed. Our condolences to the Family and her School Family." — Chris Guerrero-Shaw • "Such sad news about Rita. From her days as a bus driver and driver's ed teacher to all of her great years at Woodlands, she really took care of the students and families. She will be missed. Our condolences to her family." — Shana Pohl Wainwright