Rita J. Olowinski Kalivoda

Rita J. Olowinski Kalivoda Rita Justine Olowinski Kalivoda, age 77, of Erie, died Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at her home after an extended illness. She was born in Erie on June 16, 1931, a daughter of the late Frank and Justine Stankiewicz Olowinski of Erie, both of whom were born in Poland. She attended Holy Trinity Grade School and graduated from Academy High School in 1949. She was employed by General Telephone Company, prior to her marriage in 1953. Rita was an active and devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish in Erie, where she volunteered for many years as a school library assistant, PTA member, room mother, Cub Scout volunteer, cafeteria worker, church cleaner and choir member. She enjoyed music, sewing, cooking, her ladies’ card club, and taking care of her family, which was the dedication and passion of her life. Rita was preceded in death by two brothers, Anthony and Raymond Olowinski of Erie and Warren, respectively, and two sisters, Mary Kubiak and Agnes Trocki, both of Erie. Survivors include her husband of fifty-five years, Robert Kalivoda, Sr. She is also survived by a brother, Edward Olowinski and his wife Florence of Girard, and two sisters, Clara Waskiewicz and Irene Grenberg Redfoot and her husband Raymond, both of Erie and three sisters-in-law, Jane Kalivoda, Loretta Borawski and her husband Walter and Fran Brown and her husband Al. Rita is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren: David and Mary Kay Kalivoda of Erie, and their daughter, Katie Kalivoda Misiura, and her husband, Brian, of Burke, Virginia, and Kevin Kalivoda of Erie; Daniel and Patty Kalivoda and their daughters, Stephanie and Lisa Kalivoda, of Girard; Michael and Diane Kalivoda of Erie; and Robert, Jr, and Michele Kalivoda and their children, Jordan, Casey and Adam Kalivoda, all of Erie. Rita is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and good neighbors, with whom she became lifelong friends. Friends may call on Thursday at the Francis V. Kloecker Funeral Home, Inc., 2502 Sassafras St. Erie, Pa. 16502 from 2-4 and 7-9 and also on Friday morning at Blessed Sacrament Church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11. The Blessed Sacrament Ushers Society will be holding a Rosary Service on Thursday evening at 6:45 at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family requests that donations be made to Blessed Sacrament School, 2510 Greengarden Road, Erie, PA 16502. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits