Rita Furtak James

Rita Furtak James, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Burnt Hills, New York, on December 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 4, 1937, in Queens, New York, to the late Walenty and Magdalena (Borek) Furtak.
Raised in a large Polish household in Queens, Rita built a strong foundation for faith, family, and devotion that guided her throughout her life. After high school, she continued her education at St. John's University, where-during a Shakespeare class-she met the love of her life, John Thomas James. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in love.
Rita and John raised their family in Garden City, Long Island, where she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her children. She was always present-offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support to her children. Her greatest joy came from her family, and she was especially proud to be a grandmother and great-grandmother, cherishing each moment spent with her ever-growing family.
A woman of profound faith, Rita was a devout Catholic and a member of Immaculate Conception Church. She later became a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Ballston Spa. Her service to the Church was an expression of her spirit; she faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister, Proclaimer of the Word, and a member of the Bereavement Committee at Immaculate Conception.
Rita embraced life with enthusiasm and grace. She loved sports and remained active through tennis, platform tennis, golf, and walking around the neighborhood. Rita found peace and fulfillment in maintaining the beauty of her property. She also loved hosting breakfast for her grandchildren after Sunday mass.
Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Thomas James; her parents; her siblings, Sophie, Stanley, Helen, Eleanor, Julie, and Josephine, and great-granddaughter Nora Fulgieri.
She is survived by her loving children: Loretta (Kevin) McGaughey, Julia (Whitney) Smith, Maureen (Dominic) Fulgieri, John (Margaret) James, Elizabeth (David) Bevan, and Brian (Melissa) James; her cherished grandchildren: Trevor (Danielle Desantis) Smith, Kelsey (Adam) Fiorito, Victoria (Will) McMullen, Dominic (Nicole) Fulgieri, Vincent (Lauren) Fulgieri, Olivia (Ross) Wightman, Michael Fulgieri, Veronica Fulgieri, Sophia Fulgieri, Peter Fulgieri, Jack James, Liam James, Bridget James, Erin James, Matthew Bevan, Patrick Bevan, and Kathleen Bevan and great-grandchildren William and Jackson McMullen, Henry Fulgieri, and Monica and Eleanor Fulgieri.
Friends and Relatives are welcome to St. Mary's Church in Ballston Spa on Tuesday, January 6th, from 11 AM to 12 PM for the calling period. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12 PM, immediately followed by a procession to Saratoga National Cemetery for the committal service at 2 PM.
Memorial donations may be made in Rita's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita, please visit our floral store.