Rita Jordan Jepsen, formerly of Greenwich, died peacefully on Dec. 1. She was 96 years old and lived in Bloomfield, Conn.
She leaves a wealth of family and friends who mourn her passing and remember with joy their time with her, especially travel, adventures, parties and work. She had a spirit imbued with great humor and insight, and was a fierce and feisty woman who took nothing for granted. She was grateful for all she received.
Rita was born and grew up in Mississippi. Her stories of that time are legendary in the family lore. Even though she left the South as a young woman, her accent stayed with her. She left Mississippi in 1940 to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at Western Reserve (now Case Western Reserve), in Cleveland, on a scholarship from the American Red Cross. In 1944 she was sent to West Palm Beach, Fla., where she met Charles Jepsen as he finished his tour of duty as a B-17 pilot.
She provided counseling and support for the soldiers who were coming from and going to the battlefront, and to the migrant farm community in the Everglades. She continued her career in psychiatric social work in Wilmington, N.C., in the postwar years, and, after settling in Connecticut, for Child and Family Services in Greenwich for many years before retiring.
Rita worked all of her life and loved her work. Rita flew to Germany in 1951 to meet up with Chuck, to get married and to begin a life together focused on family and enlivened by friends, travel and food (and good wine). They lived in postwar Germany, France and England, and settled in Greenwich. They also enjoyed a brief time living in Saudi Arabia. They traveled widely, touring the USA including Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Russia, Asia, and the Middle East. Chuck died in 1994.
Rita and Chuck made friends everywhere, young and old and from every walk of life. Their home was open to all without prejudice. The dinner table was a lively spot for great food (thanks to Rita) and spirited conversations thanks to Chuck, Rita, and all of the friends who gathered there. They inspired the next generation to grab opportunities, to take chances, and to travel.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ida Kate Jordan, and her siblings George, Terral, Robert and Katharine (Gully). Chuck’s siblings Robert, Marilyn (Daley) and Margaret (Tomsha/Burya) also died before her. The next generation—the Jordan, Gully, Jepsen, Daley, and Tomsha families—remember with love a remarkable Aunt Rita who was a friend, confidante, and role model for many.
She is survived by her sons and daughter, their spouses, and her grandchildren: Chuck and Claudia Jepsen, George and Diana Jepsen, and Rita (Jepsen) and Arthur House. Her grandchildren are Dashiell and Tucker Jepsen, Christian and William Jepsen, and Sophie, Carolyn and Margaret House.
Rita’s family is grateful for the kind care given to her by the aides, nurses, administrative and support staff at The Meadows of the Seabury Community. The family is especially grateful to Dr. Lavern Wright, whom they call a wonderful physician and a dear friend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Planned Parenthood, Connecticut Public Television, or Connecticut Public Radio, or to an organization that offers educational aid to underserved youth.
To leave a condolence, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.
