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Rita Lucille Giannini Borthwick, 84, died at home on September 27, 2005 following a brief illness. She was born December 15, 1920 in Albuquerque, NM to Astutillo and Marina Giannini. As a young woman, Rita was active in high school sports and cheerleading. Following graduation she taught girls' sports at heights community center. Later, she organized and managed the New Mexico girl's state softball league and played softball for the "Tingley booster all-stars" team. On November 2, 1940, Rita married Stanley Chalmers Borthwick of Denver, CO. Stanley's work in the construction industry allowed them to travel throughout the world. During their 65 years of marriage, they were jointly active in many civic and social organizations. Together they participated in promoting the community outreach programs of the Rotarians and the Shriners. Rita served as an early president of the N.E. Lioness club and of the "Minerva mothers" club of the sigma alpha epsilon fraternity. She was also instrumental in organizing San Juan county community college and the San Juan county artists' colony. Rita always enjoyed volunteering to teach arts and crafts in public schools as well as coaching baseball and tennis for boys and girls. Rita and Stanley retired to Oceanside, CA where they continued to be involved in a wide variety of organizations and activities. In 2004, they moved to Lubbock, TX to be closer to family members. Rita is survived by her dear husband, Stanley, and by her three children: sons William of Albuquerque and James (Barbara) of Lubbock, TX; and daughter Sandra of Monterey, CA. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Brian Borthwick and Anita King, Lubbock TX; Thomas Blakeley, San Jose, CA; J. Blair Blakeley, Los Angeles, CA; Jennifer and Heather Borthwick, Washington, D.C.; and two great-grandchildren, Kate and Carlie Borthwick, Lubbock, TX. A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2005 at Strong -Thorne Mortuary. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2005 at Sunset Memorial Park Chapel (924 Menaul NE). In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the crippled children's transportation fund. Ballut Abyad temple; 6600 Zuni SE.; Albuquerque, 87108; or to the charity of ones choice. STRONG-THORNE MORTUARY 1100 COAL AVE. SE ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87106 (505) 842-8800
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