Rita Bernadette LaPore Wontrop

Rita Bernadette LaPore Wontrop (nee Puls), of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 82. She is survived by her children, Lisa (Tim) Sheridan, Kathleen (Scott) Miller, and Colonel (ret) John R. (Joan) LaPore, III; her grandchildren, Violet (Jake) Burlew, Alexandra LaPore, John R. LaPore IV, Oliver (Paige) Miller, Jeremy Miller, Lily Sheridan, Riley Sheridan, and Molly Sheridan; and her great grandchildren, Monroe and Emmett Burlew. She was predeceased by her sister, Nancy (Tom) Kilduff; and her parents, Anna and Clement Puls.

She was born on June 4, 1943, in the Hamilton neighborhood of Baltimore, where she formed lifelong friendships. Rita attended St. Dominic’s grade school and Seton High School. She raised her family in Parkville and worked many years at St. Joseph’s Hospital helping to run the cardiac care unit, assisting doctors, nurses, and patients with compassion and care. Rita truly loved the hospital environment and the close friendships she made there.

Outside of work, she found joy in simple pleasures like playing Canasta and board games, attending book club, and relaxing at her beach house. Spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and her many friends was dear to her. Rita had a special place in her heart for Ferdinand her comfort dog and protector. During the Christmas season she was a rockstar bringing the wow factor to her grandchildren with artistically wrapped presents, crab dip, and wonderful festivities.

Since 2022 Rita lived at the Pickersgill Retirement Home in Towson, MD. She thrived there, making new friends and becoming a staff favorite due to her positive attitude. Rita developed a new talent painting fabulous watercolors.

Kind and generous with her time and treasure, she will be remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor, her love of dogs, and her unwavering loyalty to her family and friends. Rita was a joy to be around and will be greatly missed by friends and family.

Visitation of friends and family will be held at Sol Levinson's, 8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208 on Sunday, January 4th, 2026 from 4pm until 7pm. Funeral mass will be held at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 9215 Old Harford Rd, Parkville, MD 21234 on Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 10:30AM. Burial at Parkwood Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be sent to Little Sisters of the Poor, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Baltimore, MD 21228.