Rita Lucy Sabala

Rita Lucy Sabala was born March 18, 1955, in Whittier, California, to Placido and Feliciana (Reynoso) Sabala. She passed away on February 3, 2019, in La Habra, California, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Rita grew up in La Habra, California, but attended St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs, California. Following high school, she attended vocational school to become a Medical Assistant. What started as a career in a private medical practice eventually led to a position as Corporate Receptionist for Caremore Medical Group. It was a highlight for her to be the voice of Caremore, as she answered the phone and appeared in some of their advertising spots.

Family always came first for Rita. She was blessed with two sons, Sean and Richard, and she loved them very much. She was also very proud of her grandchildren, Eliana (6), and Cruz (3), and she enjoyed spending time with them more than anything else. Rita was also very close to her sister, Anna.

Outside of family, Rita enjoyed traveling. She was also a devout Christian and attended Calvary Chapel Into the Light Church in La Habra, California.

Rita always sported a beautiful smile and had an infectious laugh. To know her was to love her! She will be remembered for being an incredibly loving and caring woman who always put the needs of others first. Ritas warrior spirit was another of her wonderful traits. She faced all adversity head-on and, though she lost her last battle, she went down fighting to the end. Her courage and tenacity are truly an inspiration to those who knew her.

Survivors include her sons, Sean Thornton and Richard (Adriana) Olague; grandchildren, Eliana and Cruz; sister, Anna Martindale; and her boyfriend, Robert Contreras.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11am on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Calvary Chapel Into the Light Church, 217 N. Walnut St., La Habra, California. A reception will be held following the service at the La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd., La Habra, California.