Obituary: Rita L. Skelly (Marmaras), 69, Of Danbury

Information and Photo Courtesy Green Funeral Home

DANBURY, CT — Rita L. Skelly (Marmaras), age 69, passed away on Mar. 5, 2023. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend.

Born on January 8, 1954 in Danbury, Rita was one of three children born to Diamond and Michael Maramas. She graduated from Danbury High School, and then attended radiology school at Danbury Hospital.

Ultrasound was a new technology at the time, and Rita was chosen from a large pool of applicants to set up the first ultrasound department at Danbury Hospital. She went on to work at Candlewood Center for Women’s Health, where she remained for the next 40 years. Rita touched many women’s lives as she provided prenatal ultrasounds during their pregnancies. She was known for her great attention to detail and was a trusted resource to her colleagues as department supervisor for many years

Rita’s greatest passion was her family. Her entire life revolved around her two daughters and their spouses - Erin and Konstantine (Karloutsos), Meghan and Fr. Nikolas (Karloutsos) and her 6 grandchildren - Peter (16), Lia (15), Michael (12), Thomas (11), Kalliope (9), and Lucia (7). “Yiayia Rita” was known by her grandchildren for her sleepovers, famous french toast, fun crafts, basketball and whiffle ball out in the yard, and pool parties in the summer.

She had the gift of creating holiday celebrations that were like no other, expressing her love through her abundance of food, music, ambience and elaborate table settings that will never be forgotten. Above all, she taught her family pure love, patience, kindness, how to make others feel special, and to celebrate life’s small joys.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Rita is survived by her father, Michael Marmaras; her siblings: Ted Marmaras (Sharon); and Evangeline Uriyu (Jim); and her dearest friend from age 16, Wayne Skelly, who remained by her side as they celebrated life’s joys together, especially their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews: Adrienne, Donovan, Stephen and Jillian.

The family will receive friends for visitation at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church (30 Clapboard Ridge Road) in Danbury, CT, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Officiating the funeral will be Rita’s son-in-law Fr. Nikolas Karloutsos. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Danbury, CT 06811.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s name can be made to: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 30 Clapboard Ridge Road, Danbury, CT 06811; or to NORD (National Organization for Rare Disease) online or NORD, Inc. – Donations Dept. 5930 P.O. Box 4110 Woburn, MA 01888.