LEIGNADIER, RITA MARIE - Rita Marie Leignadier, 79, of Port Orange, Florida, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 27th, 2012. A memorial mass will be held on Friday July 6, 2012 at 12:00 P.M at Our of Hope Catholic Church, 4675 S. Clyde Morris Blvd. - Port Orange , FL. A kind, generous and loving mother and friend, Ms. Leignadier was preceded in death by her parents, Dominick and Beatrice Marchesi. She is survived by her daughter, Victoria, and her beloved cat, Snuggles. Ms. Leignadier was a valued member of the local Military Officers Association of America chapter, serving for many years in numerous positions including secretary and treasurer. She was a Eucharistic Minister and Minister to the sick for many years in her church and served the Epiphany Council of Catholic Women as Treasurer and Parliamentarian. She especially enjoyed her association with the Epiphany knit, crochet and quilt group. She worked tirelessly for the government for over 20 years and was proudly the first woman to be commissioned in the Maritime Service. In this capacity, she served as the Operations Officer at the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, culminating in her retirement as a Lieutenant Commander. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Cardwell Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family at .