Obituary of Katherine Bishop Riposta

Katherine (Bishop) Riposta, 88, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on July 21, 2020. She joined her husband in Heaven on what would have been their 69th wedding anniversary. Katherine was born on March 21, 1932 in Portland, Maine to Earl and Idalene (Steele) Bishop - she joined an older sister Beverly and brother King. Katherine moved to Bloomfield, NJ at the age of two and attended school there until 1941 when the family moved back to Millinocket, Maine to care for an elderly grandmother and business there. She graduated from Stearns High School in Millinocket, Maine, Class of 1949. After high school she moved back to New Jersey living with her sister and continuing her education. There she worked in a photography studio colorizing photos. Kathy met her husband, Frank, while living there and they married in 1951. He was drafted into the US Army and sent to Korea. Upon his return, they lived in Irvington, New Jersey and had three children Virginia, Mark and Andrew(who went to be with the Lord at the age of 7.) Coming from Maine and marrying into an Italian family she had a lot to learn, and they welcomed her and shared both their family customs and cooking skills with her. Katherine went to N.T.S.C (now Keane College) in 1965 and taught nursery and kindergarten at Long Hill Chapel in Chatham Township, New Jersey. She worked in sales for many years which highlighted her social nature. Katherine was employed by Huffman-Koos as salesman and decorator for over 13 years. Kathy was always active in her church, school and community affairs. She was a district leader in Union for several years. After retirement in 1989 to Maine, spending time with the Heslinga family in their 20 years in Cape May Courthouse, NJ, and the Riposta’s in their 46 years in Belfast, Me. Katherine and Frank wintered in Florida, then settled in Charlotte County. Katherine was active at the First Christian Church Choir, Grace Presbyterian Church by Lake Suzy, and two local Republican Clubs. She loved books, her piano music, traveling, Bible studies and her friends and family. Her daughter Virginia was her “best-friend” and her son Mark her golf- pal were rocks to lean on after Katherine was a widow in 2016. She is predeceased by her parents, siblings Beverly Faig and King Bishop, son Andrew Frank Riposta, and husband Frank Riposta. Katherine is survived by her beloved children Dr. Virginia Heslinga and husband Rev. Dr. Jerry Heslinga of Ashland, Virginia, son Mark Riposta and wife Pamela of Belfast, Maine and Jacksonville, Fl. She took great pride in all of her grandchildren: Joshua Heslinga and wife Christine, Joy D’Aria and husband Matthew, Katherine M.Riposta and husband Jojo Oliphant, Andrew Frank Riposta II and wife Amber, Kimberley Weaver and husband Allen; her great grand daughters Eleanor and Audrey Heslinga and Mya Oliphant; and many other special family members spread out along the whole east coast of the USA and around the country. Visiting hours will be held from 1 to 2 pm on Tuesday July 28, 2020 at Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Avenue Belfast with a funeral to follow at 2 pm, interment will be at Grove Cemetery in Belfast, Maine. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com