Rita Mendelson, beloved daughter of the late Nathan and the late Lillian Mendelson, and cherished sister of the late Stanford Mendelson, passed away on July 5, 2025, at Evelyn’s House. She was 77 years old.
A devoted friend, cousin, sorority sister, chosen aunt, and lifelong nurturer of curiosity, connection, and care, Rita touched countless lives with her generosity and quiet wisdom.
Though she had no children of her own, Rita played a profound and loving role in many families’ lives, especially with the Pearline family, whom she embraced as her own. She was a devoted aunt to the late Rachel Pearline and to Sarah Pearline (Brian Dambacher), offering steady support, joy, and encouragement through every season of their lives.
For decades, Rita brought joy and wonder to generations of children as the beloved librarian at Carmen Trails Elementary School. She saw every child who entered her library as someone full of potential—and helped them believe it, too. Her deep love of books, learning, and storytelling extended far beyond her profession and into every corner of her life.
In retirement, she continued to share her time and heart generously, volunteering at the Butterfly House, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, United Hebrew’s library, and tutoring elementary students in literacy and math. Her instinct to care and give never dimmed.
Rita had a remarkable gift for seeing people clearly and loving them fully. Whether offering advice, listening with compassion, or simply showing up when it mattered most, she made people feel deeply known and unconditionally supported.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and unwavering love—a legacy carried forward by the many lives she shaped through friendship, mentorship, and the quiet strength of showing up.
Graveside Service Tuesday July 8, 10 AM at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Rd. 63124. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Shriners Hospital for Children. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.
BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE
