Margarita "Rita" Manfrina passed away February 1, 2012 at the age of 90.

Rita was born December 11, 1921 in Santa Barbara to John and Rosina Bortolazzo. The family moved to Lompoc a few years later where her father, along with many other Italian immigrants, went to work for the Celite Mining Corporation. They lived in what was known as "Little Italy" in Miguelito Canyon.

Rita was an exceptional homemaker and loving mother. She loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. Her specialty and favorite of her family was Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Pismo Clams on the half shell.

Rita was a devoted wife to her husband Max until his death in 2002. She was also a compassionate caregiver to her mother, father and mother-in-law until their deaths. After Max's death she continued living in the family home until the age of 89, when she then moved to the new Lodge of Lompoc.

Rita is survived by her only son Max and his wife Joan of Santa Barbara and her only sister Irma Gadway of Lompoc. She will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to Dr. Rollin Bailey and the kind nursing staff in the Critical Care Unit at Lompoc Valley Medical Center for their excellent and compassionate care she received before her death.

The mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, February 6, 2012 at 10 am at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 3495 Rucker Road in Lompoc. Interment will follow in the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a favorite charity in Rita's memory.