Essex Metropolitan Netball Association is saddened to advise of the death of its former Chairman, Rita Shea. Rita died on 31 October at Ravenscourt Nursing Home, peacefully after a short illness.
Rita was Chairman of Essex Met for over 30 years, making her the (or one of the) longest-serving County Chairman in England. She had previously been our Treasurer and was also an established umpire and Chairman of New Cambell Netball Club. Her contribution to netball was recognised by the England Netball Long Service Award in 2016. Born in Swansea, she had a successful teaching career in Barking & Dagenham and was well-known and well-regarded by generations of students and netballers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rita's family and friends at this sad time.
The funeral will be held at St Cedd's Catholic Church, 4 Blythswood Road, Goodmayes, Ilford, Essex IG3 8SH on Friday 22 November at 2pm.
Flowers to 10A Albany Road, Chadwell Heath, Essex RM6 6BS, donations to St Francis Hospice.
Pat Meadows
Chairman, Essex Metropolitan Netball Association