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Celebrating the life of

Ca Rita Cumming Connor

September 23, 1928 - April 03, 2023

Ca Rita Cumming Connor

Ca Rita Cumming Connor, 94, passed away on the evening of April 3, 2023, after a short illness.  She was born on September 23, 1928, in Statesboro, Georgia to Agnes Mathewes and Britt Stamps Cumming. At an early age, she moved to Savannah with her family and resided on Park Avenue.  Ca Rita graduated from Commercial High School as the valedictorian of her class. She would often reminisce about her job working the candy counter at Kress Department Store while in high school. In 1945, Ca Rita lost her brother, Lt. Britt Charles Cumming, in the Battle of Okinawa. After graduation, Ca Rita went to work for pediatrician, Dr. Howard Morrison, where she developed many long-term relationships in the medical community.

Ca Rita married Richard “Dick” Anthony Connor in 1950 and shortly after they wed, Dick was drafted to serve the U.S. Navy in the Korean Conflict. After Dick’s service, they settled in Thunderbolt to the property she would call her forever home. Dick would serve as Deputy Sheriff under his father, Benjamin Arthur Connor. After the elder Sheriff Connor’s death, Dick was elected as Sheriff of State Court until his sudden death in 1971 at the age of 41. As a young widow and housewife, Ca Rita was faced with many challenges but raising her young children, Richard and Menzanna became her sole focus and joy. In 1972, Ca Rita found herself back in the medical community when she went to work for The Georgia Medical Society.  Ca Rita proudly served under 50 Presidents during her tenure. During her career, Ca Rita received many awards, but the Donna Glass Non-Physician Distinguished Service Award presented to her in October 2004 by the Medical Association of Georgia was one of the highlights of her career. She remained dedicated until the early months of 2023 when her health took a turn for the worse and she reluctantly had to retire.

Ca Rita was a parishioner of The Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament.  She never met an organization or non-profit board she did not love to be a part of. She was a member of various professional and civic organizations. Later in life, Ca Rita loved to dance and travel with her longtime companion, Ozzie Grevemberg. They spent many years traveling to every country, state, and province possible but only when it did not interfere with traveling to cheer on her beloved Georgia Bulldogs.

Ca Rita was the definition of a proper Southern lady.  Her life’s mantra was that you should be properly dressed every day, which included hair, lipstick, and earrings, even if lunch at Larry’s was the only thing on your agenda.  Although she was no stranger to hardship, she always had a positive outlook. She was always reminding everyone “age is just a number” which she proved by having a full-time job and driving at the age of 94. Ca Rita legacy is her extraordinary and fulfilling life.

The family would like to thank her nurses Debra, Yvette, Yolanda, and Cynthia for their kind and compassionate care during her final months of life.

Ca Rita is survived by her daughter Menzanna Connor Blakley, son-in law, James Patrick Blakley, her grandchildren, Hailey Blakley Grene and spouse Joshua Sanders Grene, Britt Connor Blakley and spouse Caitlin Buttimer Blakley, her great-grandchildren, Sanders Patrick Grene and Hatch Mathewes Grene, who were her pride and joy, her sister Marcelene Cumming Willingham, son Richard Connor and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, at Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Chapel, followed by a Rosary service at 6:30 p.m.  Graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, in Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

We will miss running into Mrs. Ca Rita around town. She is an inspiration to all who knew her. We enjoyed her being on our life’s journey.

- Billy Wilson family, Savannah, GA

Menzanna, losing one's mother is one of the most profound and hardest hardships of life. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely Missi Blakey

- Missi Blakey, Savannah, GA

Hugs and Love to all. Prayers for Peace.

- George Condon, Wilmington, NC

My condolences to you and the family, I pray for your strength, peace and guidance. Your mom lived a long beautiful life; remember all the joy and fun times you all shared.

- Charlene Moore, Richmond Hill, Georgia

May you rest in peace my dear cousin and I will see you again one day with a wonderful smile and all my love!

- James Condon Jr , Greenville , SC

I had the honor of know Ms. Ca Rita for several years She was a patient at the office where I worked. She always came in telling stories of her family, I felt like I knew you all. She was one Classy lady and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

- Stacy New, Pembroke , Ga

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Prayers for the family, that you cherish all those good memories.

- Weaver, Taylor , Savannah, GA

Menzanna-Your Mom was a fabulous lady with such amazing style! I will always be grateful for my years at United Way when she was so involved and so helpful. She adored you, your children, and your grandchildren. May happy memories bring you much peace in the days ahead. With sympathy and friendship--Susan

- Susan M Hancock, Savannah, GA

Menzanna and family my thoughts and prayers are with you all for the loss of such a wonderful lady and mother ! Ca Rita an amazing person full of life love and great intelligence. I had her as a client for over 25 years and enjoyed her company and great love for her family. Rest In Peace my friend!

- Bonnie Connolly, Savannah , Georgia

I have lost a dear friend with Ca Rita’s passing. Menzanna I give you and the family my deepest sympathy, and my love.

- Patrick Evans , Savannah , GA

Ca Rita was a joy to know as a friend and connection with the Georgia Medical Society. May perpetual light shine brightly upon her for she was a true and faithful servant of the Lord. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

- Kelly Kilpatrick Hunt, Savannah, GA

Ca Rita was an Angel on earth. To all her family, remember we may have lost her from earth but Heaven has gained our Angel. May she rest in peace. Harry and Sherri

- Connolly, Savannah, Georgia

I was saddened to hear about Ca Rita's passing. She was a lovely lady and will be missed. There are not many like her in this world.

- Moira Vejar, savannah, ga

CaRita was a sweet friend, sorority sister, and mentor. I will carry fond memories of her with me always. I lift up prayers of comfort for her family and loved ones.

- Debbie Shumans, Savannah, GA

Ca Rita was a True Southern Lady who everyone admired. She was a friend of my parents through the Georgia Medical Society. It was always a pleasure to be in her company. We will all miss her. Rest In Peace.

- Janice Wallace Sauers, Savannah, ga

I am so sorry to hear of CaRita passing. She was a member of our Lunch Buddies Group and we will miss her greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

- Debbie Usher, Richmond Hill, GA

So sorry about our loss. I loved Ca Rita. Only two words can describe her. TOTAL CLASS! We loved being together at the MAG meetings. She will be missed!

- Dr Karen Turner, Savannah , Ga

MS. Conner was a true lady, dressed to the core, respectful to others. Always had a open seat for me at Larry,s. Prayers out to the family to whom I love dearly.

- Patrick Marklew, Leasburg, NC

Eternal rest grant unto her o Lord. May her earthly legacy continue through the lives of those she so loved .

- Cannella family, Savannah , GA

Menzanna so sorry to hear about your mother. Praying for peace and comfort. Hugs!

- Julie foster, Ellabell, GA

I feel very fortunate to have crossed paths with Ca Rita through her work with the Georgia Medical Society and several nonprofit organizations. She was indeed a classy lady who could work circles around most of us! She will certainly be missed by the medical community!

- Jennifer Wright, Savannah, Georgia

A truly remarkable lady with many years of dedicated service to the Georgia Medical Society. May she rest in peace.

- Francis P. Rossiter, Jr., MD, Savannah, GA

Sorry for your loss. What a wonderful person. She was always a bright light when I was fortunate to see her!

- Mike Viers, Savannah, Georgia

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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