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Rita Samuiloff Obituary
Rita Marie Samuiloff, nee Bruhnke, 78, of Sycamore, beloved wife of Peter; devoted mother of Nicholas, Lorrie Christopher, Leanne (Reza) Pouremad, and Lisa (Frank) Chandler; dear sister of Louis, Donald and Mary Lou (John) Kozub; doting grandmother of Myra (Jordan) Murphy, Timothy and Stephanie Chandler, Laleh and Laudan Pouremad and great-grandmother to Hayden and Daxton Murphy. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Louis Bruhnke; her sister, Marlene Bruhnke and her daughter Linda Marlene Britton. Rita began a career in the railroad industry that spanned over 30 years, beginning as a Clerk at the Santa Fe Railroad and later as a clerk at Amtrak. While at Amtrak she also served as union steward and championed workers' rights. Her passion for workers' rights led her to her position at the Transportation and Communications Union where she retired as the first ever female Vice General Chairman. While employed as the Vice General Chairman she represented thousands of Clerks at Amtrak. She was always admired for her dedication to fairness and her unquestionable integrity. Funeral Saturday, 9:15 a.m. from Damar-Kaminiski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Ave. (2 mi west of 79th & Harlem), Justice, IL, to St. Cletus Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. Visitation Friday,
3 p.m. to 9 p.m. 708-496-0200 or
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Memories and Condolences
for Rita Samuiloff
Jim & Joyce Rlmes
August 9, 2023
Rita and Pete were very dear friends from the old Hyde Park days. They always spread joy and happiness wherever they went. We feel blessed to have known them
Vikki Schummer
September 15, 2007
Rita was the sister of my close friend, Mary Lou Kozub. I only met Rita once briefly, but I felt like I knew her personally - through her sister. I understood how close Rita and Mary Lou were. Their love for each other was brilliant!
May the Peace of the Lord comfort Mary Lou and Rita's entire family.
Andrea Yanta-Rivera
September 13, 2007
I worked with Rita in Revenue Acctg for a bit and then of course at REZ. She was a very sweet and smart Lady and I always had a lot of respect for her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her Family & close friends. May she rest in Peace.
Linda Thompson
September 13, 2007
Before she held a position with the union Rita made an impression on me. At a union meeting employees felt an advantage given an employee account of the job they were awarded but not available to them was unfair. Rita a staunch supporter of union rights successfully argued that nothing would be gained by removing that advantage and someday they may work the job.
Rita was able to foresee the consequences of actions taken beyond the immediate effect and to defend a position she believed in regardless of the opposition. I as well as others admired and respected her for those abilities. Rita made a difference for the better both with Amtrak and TCU.
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Lynn Davis
September 13, 2007
Rita is the sister of my good friend Mary lOU kOZUB
I WAS FORTUNATE TO MEET THEM BOTH IN CHICAGO, SEVERAL YEARS AGO.
RITA WAS A GREAT PERSON & MY SINCERE CONDOLONCES TO HER FAMILY
Carl and Pat Kachold
September 11, 2007
Dear Pete and Family,
Our prayers are with all of you at this time. Rita's mass was a very special one to remember, especially when her granddaughter put her thoughts on paper and shared them with all of us.
We will certainly miss her and she will always be with us in thought.
We had a really great time on the two cruises we took. I didn't know her that well but I enjoyed her company whenever we were together.Our many trips to the boat and dinner at the buffet were most enjoyable. We will miss her and hope that when we do gamble perhaps she will pull some strings and help us to be on the winning end now and then. The last time was at Rose Mary's and we played 500 rummy.She spoke of going to Texas and taking the greatgrand kids on vacation. She always was positive and looked on the bright side. That's what kept her going.
She is at rest now and I'm sure she is looking down on everyone and when you think about her, know that she is also thinking of you.
Sincerely,
Patricia Johnson-Colding
September 11, 2007
Rita was a good friend to me in the days that I spent at the 21st Street Coach Yard in Chicago, Illinois (which is long gone). I will always have fond memories of her.
Michael McNutt
September 11, 2007
Rita belonged to a small group of Amtrak Legends.
Patricia Willis
September 10, 2007
My first encounter with Rita was over the telephone when she was in Res and I was in the station. We had a lively discussion about the responsibilities of a corporation to improve the skill level of employees. We did not agree, but had a very good time debating. After that Rita and I often were on projects together - one in particular was an employee suggestion program which had both union and management members -(I was chair, she co-chair)- working on finding the best suggestions and suitably rewarding them. We really did have a good time. I always found Rits to be caring & passionate about co-workers, and their rights and responsibilities. We really liked each other I believe, and I always knew that I could trust her word- I think she felt the same about me. I am most sorry she has left us- she was a great advocate for employees and ironically that helped management (particulary me - a lot). My sympathies to the family- she will really be missed.
June Norfleet
September 10, 2007
To Nick and the family my constant prayer is that you are comforted by the many fond and joyous memories of Sister Rita Samuiloff.
You know often Rita and I were on different sides of the table, but her humanity and wisdom (with a wry zinger of humor) never failed to show through. During challenging moments, I learned much from her.
She is kindly remembered and gently missed.
J. A. Norfleet
Karen Petroski
September 10, 2007
Rita was a caring union member and a great co-worker. We will miss you.
Joan Maxey
September 10, 2007
Rita was a committed union leader and friendly co-worker. In her work with our union,she discussed with us many points of views. Her work still impacts many of us today.
Linda Marie Chenore
September 9, 2007
I am so honored to have had Rita in my life ~ she meant many things to me ~ a dear friend, a great co-worker and the best leader a Union could have (and thankfully it was ours) ~ Being with Rita listening and watching her in action was such a learning experiece. She had a big heart ~ She loved life. She loved her family and friends ~ these were all her TREASURES. She was respect by all her peers ~ When God made Rita he threw out the mold! She was one rare woman and all of us at Amtrak and TCU were very very lucky to have Rita. Thank you Rita from the bottom of my heart for everything you have meant, everything you stood for and the wonderful memories ~ I will miss you very much my Friend ~ Fondly with Love Linda Marie Latronica Chenore (Hanny Honey)
P.S. RITA WE GOT BIG PROBLEMS!
A Happy Retirement for Rita but not for Me!
September 8, 2007
Rita we got BIG PROBLEMS!
September 8, 2007
September 8, 2007
Shilo Roberts
September 6, 2007
We were very saddened to hear about Grandma Rita's passing. Although we didn't get to see her very often, we thought she was a sweet wonderful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow.
Shilo, Adam, Shelby, Allie and A.J. Roberts
Donna Plocharczyk
September 6, 2007
Rita was one special person in my life! There are not many people like her! Every time I was with her there would be lots and lots of laughter!! There were also endless stories of her grandchildren. Boy, she was proud of them! I loved hearing stories of them from the time Timmy was very young and including her greatgrandchildren, Hayden and Daxton. Of course, there was the endless trips to the riverboat casinos! I am sure she is enjoying the biggest buffet ever now!! She has certainly earned enough "points"!! I can honestly say that I drove across the country and back with her when we took the three week long trip to California and back. That was a trip that I will NEVER forget! To Pete, Nicky, Lorrie, Leanne, Lisa, Myra, Mary Lou, and the entire family I extend all my love and prayers! You are all very very special to me, Mark, and Jimmy!
Love always, Donna
Mike Davis
September 6, 2007
Rita was a friend and colleague, a fearless fighter for the worker, a woman of unusual warmth and dignity. Her passing saddens me greatly. The union movement has lost a great friend. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family.
Kristin & Jose's Wedding May 10, 2003
September 6, 2007
Kristin & Jose's Wedding May 10, 2003
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Caliifornia Vacation 1998
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Barbe Wilcox
September 6, 2007
Pete,Lorrie,Leanne,Nicky & Lisa:
All of our love and prayers are with you all at this time. I will always remember Rita's wonderful sense of humor and all of the great times our two families spent together in the old "Back of the Yards" neighborhood. We shared a lot of laughs. She will be missed always. We love you guys. Lisa, you will always be known as "Slovinka" to us.
Rita-October 2005
September 6, 2007
Joan Murphy
September 6, 2007
Rita was a warm, gracious, loving woman. Her strength and courage throughout her battle with the cancer are an inspiration. I feel blessed to have known her and she will always hold a special place in my heart. Rita will be missed more than words can say. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family. May God grant you comfort and peace in your time of sorrow.
Bill Danby
September 6, 2007
It's difficult to imagine either an Amtrak or a TCU without Rita. We were, for so many years, colleagues in both. She always knew what was right and knew what had to be done -- then she did it. She was a giant. My thoughts and best wishes are with her family.
Mark Plocharczyk
September 6, 2007
Every moment I shared with Rita was a happy one. She would always make you better just by saying, "Hello". She will never be forgotten by myself or anyone she met. God has brought home a very special lady. All my love to your family.
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