Rita Fay Nail – Glicco passed away on Saturday, January 17 at the E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville, FL surrounded by friends and family following a heroic battle with cancer.
Rita was born on April 29, 1950 in Batesville Ark to Helen Charlene Nail & Thomas Franklin Nail. She is survived by her father Thomas F. Nail and step mother Pauline Nail, Son, Matthew James Glicco, A sister, Donna Sue Hackett, and one brother John Clifton Gaylord, Jr.
In 1970 Rita joined the Peace Corp serving in South America. In 1975 she worked for the Kansas Dept of Correction as a Parole Officer. Rita continued in Probation and Parole when she moved to Florida in 1986. It was in Gainesville that Rita met and married Jim Glicco, Jr. In August of 1987 Rita gave birth to Matthew James Glicco who is the love of her life. She always believed Matthew to be a gift and the best thing that ever happened to her.
She earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work and worked for Shands Hospital until her retirement. During her career at Shands Hospital Rita was an advocate for many patients and families as well as co-workers. She worked tirelessly to deliver the best services and support possible. Many lives were influenced by the compassion she had for those in need.
With her time off Rita was an avid gardener. Her therapy was working in her yard and gardens where she cultivated an area she called her “Serenity Garden”. Many friends and family members enjoyed sharing stories, and laughter in the tranquility of the Serenity Garden. At the end of a day she enjoyed relaxing near her fountain watching birds and squirrels at nearby feeders. She also enjoyed kayaking, boating, walking the beach, traveling and being with friends and family. She especially enjoyed her time in Steinhatchee Florida at her weekend cottage and could be found tending a campfire, gardening, or watching a beautiful sunset at Hagans Cove.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday January 22nd at Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL.
Matthew, so sorry to hear that your Mom lost her battle with cancer. But, I can say that I believe she won life’s battle in that she enjoyed life and cherished you … the light of her life. Rita was a friend and great inspiration to me when we worked together at the State of Florida Probation Office back in the late 1980’s. She will be missed greatly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Matthew, I knew your mother when she worked parole in Kansas. Disco dancing was in and we did this with our large group of friends. Rita grew the best orchids in her by windows back then. She was a fun and loving person who would light up a room. Nanci Lyn Clark, 411 Elm, Leavenworth, KS 66048