Rita Anne Claxton

On Thursday, March 5th, Rita Anne Claxton of Selbyville, Delaware, beloved wife of F. Tom Claxton and mother of Thomas Claxton (Tina), Michael Claxton (Mary), Robert Claxton (Melissa), and Christopher Claxton (Dara), grandmother of Thomas John (Taylor), Matthew Joseph, Katelyn, Kelly Anne, Jackson, Joseph, Michael Patrick, Matthew and John Robert; great grandmother of Charlotte and sister of John Kochowicz and Teresa Kochowicz. She was preceded in death by her brother Jimmy Kochowicz. 

Rita Claxton was born to John and Rita Kochowicz in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and spent her younger years there before the family moved to the Rockville area. Rita graduated from Richard Montgomery High School in 1960. Her first place of employment was with the Bureau of Standards in Gaithersburg. Shortly thereafter, she married Tom and together built a family in the Silver Spring area where they were parishioners at  St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church. Rita was a longtime medical administrative assistant at the Coleman pediatric practice in Rockville. Rita also worked at Tyson Wheeler and Hines-Rinaldi funeral homes. 

Rita was the matriarch of the family and was anchored by her strong Catholic faith. This was evident in the celebrations of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. Further, the many birthday parties, family celebrations, and gatherings were the centerpiece of her life.

Rita was an avid member of the Rockville Junior Women's Club in the 70’s and was also a member of the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Frederick Ski Club and was very active in the St. Andrews parish life and was  involved in Women’s Ministry, the Liturgy Committee and the many fundraisers that helped to support the school. 

Rita was a passionate fan of the Washington Redskins and enjoyed gathering with the family on Sundays to watch games. She also relished her family vacations at Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island, Delaware gathering with family and friends. She always looked forward to the many opportunities to join family on the beach and enjoy everybody’s company. Thrifting with her grandchildren was a favorite pastime. Her grandchildren will fondly remember her famous spaghetti and meatballs. Family was her focus and with her strong Catholic faith, the family is comforted knowing that she is now resting in peace.

Services will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026 at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Viewing will be held from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.  Requiem Mass will start at 12:30 PM and the Interment will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland at 2 PM.