Rita Elias, age 78 of Stratford passed away on Sunday May 23, 2010 in her home. Rita was born in Stratford on September 2, 1931 to the late Michael and Helen (Kochiss) Elias and has been a life long Stratford resident, and member of Holy Name of Jesus Church. She was like an "Angel" to her 13 siblings, and is survived by her 3 devoted sisters Mildred and Cecelia Elias both of Stratford and Anna Mae Mercurio of Fairfield and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was pre-deceased by her brothers John, Rudy, Michael, Joseph, Stephen, William and Paul and 3 sisters Mary, Helen and Veronica. Funeral services will take place on Thursday May 27, 2010 at 9:30 am in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford and at 10:30 am in Holy Name of Jesus Church 1950 Barnum Ave Stratford for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery Stratford. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m.