Rita Nannette Salvaggio Stephens

Rita Nannette Salvaggio Stephens, 76. daughter of Daniele and Betty Moore Salvaggio went home to be with her Lord Auguest 14, 2025. Rita is survived by her husband of 58 years, Donald Richard Stephens of Drexel and one daughter, Kimberly Danielle Stephens-Williams (husband Lyman), one sister Gwen Salvaggio Stephens (husband Dennis) of Rutherford College and two grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, Aaron Daniel Stamey of Florida and Savannah Marie Elrod, of Drexel and two great-grandchildren Ella Marie Stamey and Gabriel Daniel Stamey also of Florida, and special friends Mary Parton, Beverly Johnson, Lisa Waters and Susan Sherrill.

Rita's passions during her lifetime were helping other people and animals. She best demonstrated this passion as a nurse with her primary practice in OB. During her lifetime of care, she worked at Valdese General Hospital, Grace Hospital, and Caldwell Memorial. Rita is loved by many as she demonstrated her skills and compassion to so many women while helping them to usher a multitude of newborns in Burke and Caldwell Counties. During her later years as a nurse, Rita worked with The Women's Health Group in Morganton alongside her friend, Dr. Pope. Not only was Rita an outstanding nurse, but she had a tremendous passion for animals and especially cats as early as age 7. It was not uncommon to see her perform her care giving and even minor surgical skills on her animals. Her home was a haven to many strays that found their way to her home and her heart. Not only was Rita an excellent caregiver and nurse, but she was also a great preceptor to the many nurses and students that were placed under care. Rita gave excellent nursing and expected nothing less from those that she taught.

Aside from Rita's nursing life, she was a great homemaker and cook who was proud of her Waldensian Heritage. She dabbled in crocheting, but her greatest talent that only a few were privy to was her singing. Regarding her most serious side, Rita was a woman of deep faith. Even as a child, her wants and wishes were deeply rooted in her faith.

Rita will be sorely missed by all who knew her, but her family will experience a deep sense of void the most. However, the love, compassion, and caring that she demonstrated the most in this life, will be a forever reminder and sustainer of our faith that we will walk with her again.

The family would like to express their gratefulness to two of Rita’s wonderful caregivers, Laura Wilson and Florencia Junef. Rita would have been so proud of the skillful and compassionate care they shared with her.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Burke County Animal Services Foundation may be made in her memory. Donations may be sent to Animal Services Foundation PO Box 52 Morganton, NC 28655. Heritage Funeral Services will be serving the family. A service of remembrance will be held Sunday evening, August 17, 2025 at 6:00 Pm in the chapel at Heritage. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5 PM to 6 PM.