Remembering Rita Ann Bennett, August 14, 1943, to June 8, 2024

Feb 20, 2025

Hearing that Rita Bennett was terminally ill was a reminder that bad things happen to good people. Graceful and elegant, Rita was a strong woman, a role model for demonstrating what a woman can be at her best. She made a difference in the world.

Rita was very active in SIETAR International at a difficult time in its history. She was treasurer when the extent of SIETAR International’s debt to Georgetown University was revealed. She was initially appalled but rolled up her sleeves and got to work. SIETAR has always needed a lot of help, and she was there to ensure that it survived and kept it running. Ironically, she was financially successful against the Jesuits of Georgetown University and saved SIETAR from a terrible mess but decades later Rita, in her partnership with the Jesuits, helped them expand their mission and efforts to care for refugees and displaced people.

Prior to and during her active years in SIETAR International Rita, after partnering in the early years of IOR, founded and presided over Bennett Associations, a thriving intercultural consulting and training organization in Chicago, IL. It blossomed under her leadership and provided a training ground for many mid-career interculturalists. Leaving Bennett Associates in the hands of Cartus, she moved on to work with a group very dear to her heart: the refugees in the world.

Rita and her husband Marty were active in JRS (the Jesuit Refugee Service) for many years. After many decades living in Asia, Illinois, Northern California, and the Boston area (within driving distance of many extended family members—children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews) their life paths took them to some of the poorest parts of the world. They continued their life’s work with JRS traveling to refugee sites around the globe.

When asked what difference JRS had made in her life? Rita responded, “JRS transforms our lives each day. It was, of course, the mission and global footprint that drew us in as donors, but it’s been the refugees themselves and the dedicated JRS staff who called us to give more deeply and more personally of ourselves and our capabilities. I’ve been blessed to serve not only on the JRS/USA Board, but along with Marty as members of the International Development Group, a worldwide group of faithful and enthusiastic donors and volunteers.”

Remembering Rita Ann Bennett, August 14, 1943, to June 8, 2024

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