Rita M. Kapurch - Obituary

ita Marie Kapurch, 103, a 39-year resident of Annapolis and previously of Worcester, MA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 10th, 2025, at Brightview Senior Living. Born in Worcester to the late Peter and Petronella (Karpovicius) Alavosius, Rita was a devout Catholic, wife, mother, and grandmother, whose commitment to the Catholic church was seen through her acts of service for her family and friends. Rita, a retired hairdressing instructor and banker, had a lifelong commitment to service. Alongside her husband, they were sponsors for midshipmen at the Naval Academy, especially the international Lithuanian midshipmen. For 31 years, Rita volunteered at the Anne Arundel Medical Center Auxiliary, where she became a beloved fixture, particularly at the gift shop. Her infectious smile, kindness, and willingness to lend a helping hand made her a cherished presence for patients, visitors, and staff alike. Through her volunteer work, she touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on the AAMC community. Known for her style, strength, fierceness, and sharp wit, she was a woman who earned respect and admiration from all who knew her. She embraced life with an open heart, always ready to offer her wisdom, encouragement, and laughter. Whether it was sharing a heartfelt story, a clever quip, or fashion advice, she had a way of making everyone feel special. In addition to her volunteer work, Rita was an avid collector, with an impressive collection of dresses, hats, jewelry, purses, and over 300 spoons from around the world. This unique passion earned her recognition in the Annapolis Gazette, where her spoon collection was celebrated as a testament to her adventurous spirit and love for culture and history. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Robert “Joe” Kapurch; her brothers, Joseph Alavosius with wife Katherine, John Alavosius with wife Elizabeth, and Bernard Alavosius with wife Estelle; and her sisters, Beatrice Molloy with husband Bart and Julia Cronin with husband Jeremiah. She is survived by her sons, Captain Thomas (Julie) Kapurch, USN and Stephen (Kim) Kapurch; her daughter, Reverend Dr. Linda Kapurch; her grandson, Dr. Joseph Kapurch II and his wife Caitlin with two great-grandchildren, Heidi and Hans; four granddaughters, Dr. Katie Kapurch, Christine Lemaster and her husband Nicholas with great-granddaughter Juliette, Stephanie Giambone and her husband Peter with great-granddaughter Amelia, and Jennifer Coletta and her husband Joseph; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank most gratefully Comfort Care of the Chesapeake, and especially Brightview Senior Living, Edgewater, MD. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rita's life on Sunday, March 16, from 4 to 6 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, March 17 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate, Rd. Annapolis, MD A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 1:30 pm at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Auxiliary of AAMC, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401, Attn Auxiliary. If you wish, you may leave a condolence for the family by using the memories tab on this page.