04/01/2026
COLEBROOK -
Rita Rosemary Bishop, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026 with her loving husband by her side. She was the devoted wife to David A. Bishop for 55 wonderful years.
Born June 2, 1944, in Torrington, Connecticut; the daughter of the late Adam Suthowski. and Sophie (Lisiewski) Suthowski.
Rita graduated from New Britain General Hospital School of Nursing. Following graduation, she moved to San Francisco California where she met and married Dave. She began a long and dedicated career as a Registered Nurse. A career spanning 44 years serving in multiple intensive care units and operating rooms at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.
In 2004, she and her husband retired and moved to Colebrook, Connecticut. Rita became an integral part of the community. She actively served on the Board of Directors for the Colebrook Historical Society. She belonged to and enjoyed participating in the local book club, bridge group and Mahjong group. Rita had many friendships over the years and cherished each and every one. She was an excellent gourmet cook and hostess at her warm and lovely home.
Rita was a talented watercolor artist painting beautiful images of wildlife and landscapes. She loved gardening, was an avid reader and a great lover of animals. She also travelled extensively with Dave to many countries all over the world making many friends they would return to visit over the years.
She was an amazing woman with a heart of gold and if you were fortunate enough to know her you were blessed.
In addition to her beloved husband Dave, she leaves her niece, Nancy Dahlen of MA and her children, Tyler, Ryan and Mikayla; her sister-in-law and friend, Phyllis Frink of Delaware and her children, Tina, Stephen and Jennifer. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by an infant child, her sister and two brothers.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a time to be announced at a later date. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted has care of the arrangements.
If you wish, please visit the online guestbook at montano-shea.com.