Name: Viewing for Rita Sparks
Start: 2015-09-13T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-09-13T21:00:00.000Z
Location: New Comer Cremations & Funerals - Colonie

Rita Pauline Frances Phillips Sparks, 90, transitioned away on September 8, 2015 to join the infinite energy that is the Universe. She was born on March 25, 1925 in Philadelphia, PA. She moved to Albany in the 1950s and met her husband, Walter, had three children and raised them in Schenectady, NY. Rita was an expert bridal seamstress, avid bowler and could cook, bake or sew anything. She was a dedicated public servant having worked for the New York State Department of Public Service for 32 years in the Counsel's office and was steward of the law library. She was a prayer warrior and many will attest to the miracles she produced. She loved her children and grandchildren with a passion and sense of protection that encourages them to this day that the most important thing is to love one another. Her husband Walter Sparks predeceases her. She leaves to celebrate her passing and homecoming, her three children, Judith Sparks-Craft of Phoenix, Arizona, Walter Sparks of Saratoga Springs, NY, Angela Sparks Beddoe (Wayne) also of Saratoga Springs; and grandchildren, Ashley Craft, Ali Beddoe, Ryan Sparks, Aaron Sparks, Scott Sparks, Noah Lee; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Her love was infectious and she also had many honorary kids and grandchildren. The family would like to thank Rita's terrific medical team: Vicki Phillips, NP, Dr. Rachid Daoui, Dr. Amy Hogan-Moulton, Dr. Christopher Hoy, Dr. David Kandath , the staff of Rubin Dialysis Center, Saratoga Hospital D1 staff and cardiac care lab and the many tireless caregivers who take time to help those who are in need with love and compassion. A viewing will be held at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 13. At 3:30 there will be a time of remembrance where friends and family are invited to share memories and stories about Rita. A funeral mass will be held the next day at 11 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Albany Street, Schenectady. Donations can be made in Rita's honor to Saratoga Senior Center, 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs, NY.

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Published by The Daily Gazette Co. on Sep. 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Rita Sparks

10 Entries

Larry Malone

September 12, 2015

Angela, Judy, Tony, your spouses and children:
Someone has made a mark on an area when there is no need to use their surname. The NBA had "Michael", the PGA "Arnie" and the PSC had "Rita". Rita Spark's wisdom, humor, energy, strength of character and empathy for others were legendary. She was unique.
Rita however lived and worked for her family. The difficult drive from Schenectady, the second job following a long work day, her conversations with close friends were all about parenting, Walter and her children. You brought her JOY.
My condolences on her passing. Rita lived an extraordinary life.

September 11, 2015

My deepest condolences go out the the entire Sparks family...What else can be said. Rita was an awesome woman.

PS. Her eggplant Parm was the best!

Godspeed Rita.

Eric (Rick) Van Sleet

Rhonda Franklin

September 11, 2015

Dear AUNT RITA
U WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY US ALL!! I will especially remember Your support to my mother and brother when u didn't have to. Our phone conversations were ALWAYS INTERESTING AND INTRIGING to SAY THE LEAST!! Every conversation with u was a learning experience !!Tony, Judy and Angie have the rest of their lives to be proud of having you as their mother!!!!Give our Mom, Dad and brothers a kiss for us and Uncle Walt too!!
RIP. LOVE YOU. YOUR NIECES RHONDA & REATHA

Larry Malone

September 11, 2015

When there is no need to use a surname to identify a person, you know that individual has made quite a mark. The NBA had "Michael"; the PGA had "Arnie"; the PSC had "Rita". She was famous for her humor, energy, empathy, wisdom, and, on very rare occasions, willingness to engage an adversary (who usually became a friend).
All who knew Rita recognized that she lived for her family. The long drive to Albany, the full days at work - followed at times by a second job, everything was for Walter and the children. They gave her endless joy.

Angela, Tony, Judy, grandchildren -- my condolences on the passing of your wonderful mom and grandma. Rita lived an extraordinary life.

david lareau

September 11, 2015

we've lost a great friend, mother, bowler, cook and so many other hats . RIP mom 2, u will always be in my thoughts and prayers

Nancy Jensen (Wilson)

September 11, 2015

To The Sparks Children, I remember your parents from when I was a young girl. I'm pretty sure your Dad & my Dad (John Wilson) worked together at the NYS Ed. Bldg. & I remember our parents bowling together in a league at the Palladium. My Dad called your Dad by his nick name, "Sparky". I am remembering you all in my prayers. Nancy (Daughter of John & Rose Wilson)

September 10, 2015

Ms.Sparks. My adopted Mother. Thank you.

Thank you for the letting me become part of your family. Thank you for welcoming me into your family like a son. Your guiding hand and kind words will continue to resonate with me. You have touched my soul with love as only a Mother could. I will forever remember our conversation and times together. I love you and will miss you. Your spirit will be a part of me always. Blessing to you on your journey.

Keith Brown

Stacy Hollander

September 10, 2015

Rita Sparks was exactly like her name, a spark of joy in this troubled world. I'll miss the most her sensible, down to earth conversation, especially her politics.
If everyone was like her there would be little strife in the world.

Stacy Hollander

September 10, 2015

Rita was an amazing woman. I can only imagine her up in heaven with my mom, telling her to mind her P's and Q's, and laughing all the while.
Rita wasn't afraid of a good argument, especially of a political nature.
I'll miss her joy, most of all.

Howard and Irene Gifford

September 10, 2015

Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies! Rest in peace Rita~

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