Contributions to the tribute of Rita F. Bellingham (Pilato)

J

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Mrs. Bellingham was my teacher for both fifth and sixth grade at H. W. Longfellow school #36 in Rochester. I remember her as often stern but always kind. The stern I'm sure had to do with the sheer size of the class - 31 kids for one teacher?! Along with the three Rs, she taught me that when it comes to cellophane tape, less is more. She taught me how to "cut" paper without scissors by creasing a fold on both sides and carefully tearing along the fold. If I remember correctly, upon learning that my middle name was Marguerite, she told me that her real first name was Marguerite but she preferred Rita, and the teacher across the hall went by Margo, but her name too was Marguerite. I recall that she treated every student the same. Skin color meant nothing. One day during the Christmas season the class was small so we had a fun day working on clay dinosaurs - I still have my brontosaurus and triceratops! I exclaimed over a broken fingernail and she said, "we'll have a funeral for your nail later..." Good memories of a little red haired lady. Blessings to you all.

W

Win Unterborn Ward lit a candle

Thursday, August 9, 2018

You have lived in my heart all these years.

W

Winifred Ward (Winnie Unterborn) posted a condolence

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Dear family, I saw Mrs. Bellingham’s notice in the paper and it brought back a flood of dear memories, some in particular I would like to share with you. If I were to write a book the title would be “My Third Grade Year in Exile in the Cloak Room”. It was 1958 and she was teaching at old #36 school in the Rochester City School District. This was one of the old schools that has the monsterous cloak rooms with a huge full wall storage cabinet for classroom supplies. Mrs. Bellingham and I were a challenge to us both. Pretty much everyday my desk would be moved to the cloak room for one reason or another, none of them good. Also part of my day would be spent organizing and inventorying the big cabinet. This was more of a challenge than you think, as the center shelf if not balanced equally with stuff would flip forward and sling stuff part way down the cloak room. This activity would keep me very busy and out of her hair for quite some time. Ultimately I learned exceptional organizational skills which have served me well during my life. Thank you Mrs. Bellingham! She kept checking on me after we moved to Webster, and college at R.I.T. My major was in Marketing and boy did those inventorying and organizational skills come in handy. Too, oddly enough I retired a couple of years ago after spending thirty-seven years with the Rich Scool District. I think she would be proud of me. Please accept this memory in the spirit in which it was meant, being in her class was one of the best times. God bless.

R

Rosemarie Milliman posted a condolence

Monday, August 6, 2018

Dear Michael and family, I was so sad to read of the death of your mother/grandmother. We were great friends and had many fond memories. I am so sorry I will not be able to attend the services but please know that I will be thinking of you. Rest in peace my dear friend. Rosemarie Milliman

B

The family of Rita F. Bellingham (Pilato) uploaded a photo

Monday, August 6, 2018

Rita F. Bellingham (Pilato)

2018

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