Rita R. Kummer

Rita R. Kummer

July 1, 1928 to August 17, 2025

Into the loving arms of her family

Rita (deFrancisci) Kummer was born in the Bronx, New York and was a graduate of Jane Adams High School and New York University. She received her Master's in Education from John Carroll University. Rita was married for 69 years to her beloved husband Rev. Gerald F. Kummer who predeceased her in Sept. 2020. She was also predeceased by her sister Mary DeBlasio and her brothers John and Richard deFrancisci and their spouses, as well as her many in-laws….truly the end of a generation.

Rita is survived by son Coe W. Kummer (Karen) of Lansdowne PA, daughter Elise Kalika (Douglass) of Lexington, KY, and her beloved grandchildren, Kevin and Janet Kalika. She also has numerous nieces and nephews from coast to coast.

Rita was a member of the United Church of Christ and helped her husband serve churches in Buffalo NY, York PA, Levittown NJ, Louisville KY, and Cleveland OH. But most of all she was a dedicated and much loved elementary school teacher. She taught Kindergarten through second grade in many schools and was lauded often for her ability to teach anyone to read. After retirement, she taught adult readers in a literacy program in her Tennessee retirement community, as well as sewing to local refugee women. She was a lifelong advocate for civil rights, social justice and service to others. She was a wonderful cook and hostess and an accomplished quilter and basket weaver, making hundreds of beautiful baskets that still grace the homes of her friends and family. Her lively presence, warm hospitality and sense of humor will be greatly missed.