Rita C. Chansen

Rita Chansen, 91, a resident of Ft. Myers and formally of
Miami, FL defiantly passed on November 3, 2022. Born to
Stephen and Dorothy Culbert, she was the oldest of 5
children growing up on a dairy farm in Mountainville, NY.
Graduating from Cornwall High School in 1949, Rita ran off
to Miami Beach with her best friend to begin a new life for
herself. In the early years she worked as a hotel
receptionist and a telephone operator.

While raising four children, Rita went back to school earning numerous accolades at
Miami Dade College and at the University of Miami before receiving her Juris Doctorate
in 1988. Always looking for opportunities and challenges, she moved around south and
central Florida to take positions with the state attorney’s office and private practice.
Rita had a full life. She used her retirement time to read, sketch and enjoy the scenic
nature of Florida parks and beaches. Too, she passed on to her children an appreciation
for the arts and sciences in their various forms.
She was proceeded in death by her brother Dr. Harvey Culbert, sisters “Dottie” Culbert
Coyle, “Patty” Culbert Hall, daughters Mary Chansen Richards and Susan Chansen Oster.
Rita is survived by her brother Stephen Culbert Jr, sons Alfred and Charles Chansen, five
grandchildren (Peggy and “Bear” Oster, Jennifer Richards, Stephen and Chelsea
Chansen), great granddaughter “Maddie” Oster, and ex-husband Alfred Chansen Sr. Rita
also held a special place in her heart for her niece Lori Culbert.
A private memorial will be held in her honor.