Azalea Rita Mays Konop, 74, joined God's kingdom in Heaven on Thursday, March 22. Rita was a 33-year survivor of four bouts with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, inflicted twice with breast cancer, and fought a valiant survival effort throughout every obstacle. Her consistent resilience and bravery is a legacy for all to embrace. Rita was born to the late Anthony Mays, Sr. and Azalea Mays on May 11, 1937 in Seguin, Texas. Rita Mays Konop was a student of St. Joseph's Catholic Grade School and then graduated from Seguin High School in 1955. After high school, Rita earned her Bachelor of Arts in English in 1959 from the University of Texas at Austin, where she met her husband of 53 years, Edward Konop, Sr. Rita and Ed were joined in matrimony on the campus of UT at St. Austin's Catholic Church in 1958. Rita was an avid University of Texas supporter, with affiliations including membership of the University of Texas Chancellor's Council, Littlefield Society, Longhorn Foundation, lifetime membership of the Texas Exes Association, Alpha Gamma Delta sorority alumni, and maternal support of Alpha Delta Pi and Alpha Phi sororities for her daughters. Continually devoting her time to philanthropies, Rita was a member of the Thankful Hubbard Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution and ensured that her children accepted the civic duties of continuing that membership. Much time and fundraising efforts for the Laguna Gloria Art Museum was done on Rita's behalf. Additionally, Rita supported her children's activities being a founder of the girl's service organization, Pacesetters, at Westwood High School in 1981 and was extremely active with the Round Rock High School and Westwood High School Band Boosters Clubs. After Rita's husband retired from Texas Instruments, the couple traveled extensively to eastern and western Europe and all parts of Canada and the United States. They finally settled at Port Isabel, Texas and were able to apply their skills as avid fishermen. Rita was a member of the St. Austin's Catholic Church for 40 years and served on the Parish Council along with numerous other parish service organizations, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Agape Easter Vigil Mass chairman. Four years ago, Rita and Ed joined the St. James Catholic Parish in Seguin. Rita actively corroborated her husband's achievement of Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and activities in the church liturgy. Together, Lady Rita and Sir Ed were honored as Knights of Columbus, Council 3412, "Family of the Year" in 2011. Rita is survived by her husband, Edward John Konop, Sr., their five children and ten grandchildren: Kathryn and husband Peter Rostow and daughter Diana; Edward, Jr. (Butch) and wife Lynn Konop and children Edward, Anthony, and Margaret Azalea; Lucy, M.D. and husband Gus Villarreal, M.D. and children Joseph and Emma; Sandra and husband Michael Legieza and children Ashley and Michael; Robin and husband William Winter and children Hannah Lee and Abigail; brother, Dr. Anthony Mays, Jr. and wife, Jeri; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, her sister Mary Lee Roberts preceded her in death. The family would like to thank Dr. John Sandbach and his team at Texas Oncology and Dr. John R. Boyd for their many years of compassionate, dedicated service and care. Their persistence and expertise allowed Rita to live an active life while she courageously battled her cancer. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Tres Hewell Mortuary in Seguin with a viewing on Sunday, March 25 from 2:00 – 4:00PM. The funeral Mass will be Monday, March 26 at 10:00AM at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin with a holy rosary preceding the Mass at 9:30AM. Interment will follow in St. James Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers include: Anthony Konop, Edward Konop, III, Michael Legieza, Anthony Mays, III, Robert Mays, Dr. Gus Villarreal, Joseph Villarreal, and William Winter, III. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Anthony Mays, Jr., Molly Pogor, and Louis Scopel. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society.