Rita Ann Newman

1931 - 2021

Rita Ann Newman, 89, of Michigan City passed away with her loving family around her on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, at her daughter Mary's home in Michigan City.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Queen of All Saints Church. Burial will follow in Saint Stanislaus Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Root Funeral Home and on Friday from 9-10 a.m. at the church.

Rita was born Dec. 29, 1931, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the late Louis J. and Margaret Mary (Muldoon) O'Keefe Sr.

On June 26, 1954, in Mishawaka, Indiana, she married Cecil Newman, who passed away on July 28, 1991.

Surviving are four children, Doug, Carol (Mike) Wozniak, Mary Lou (Ed) Amm and Michael (Sue) Newman; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary Clark; sister-in-law, Gloria O'Keefe; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by one grandson, James Newman; one great-grandson, Henry Amm; and two brothers, Louis Jr. and James O'Keefe.

Rita was a caregiver to many members of her family and also helped out with the after school care at Queen of All Saints School.

She was a member of Queen of All Saints Church, Rosary Sodality and longtime member of the church choir. She took pride in the fact she was a member of a church choir since fourth grade. She was a Life Member of the Woman of the Moose Chapter 935; American Legion Post 37 Aux.; and VFW Post 2536 Aux. She loved socializing and supporting animal projects. She was a person who loved the Lord and dedicated her time praying in the Adoration Chapel at Queen of All Saints. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.