Rita Patricia Podeszwik

Rita Patricia Podeszwik, 79, of Negaunee, passed away peacefully Friday, September 27, 2024 at Trillium Hospice House, Marquette.
Rita was born July 28,1945 in Detroit to John and Clara (Pignanelli) Piccolo, and graduated from Redford High School, Class of 1963. Following graduation, she went to work at Ford Motor Company. While she was proud of her independence in her early 20's, she was waiting for her betrothed to return from his tour of duty in Vietnam and the South Pacific. She married Dennis Podeszwik in 1969 and they quickly started their family the next year. In 1976, they moved their young family to Negaunee. This was quite an adjustment from life in the big city, where both of their families resided. Many trips were made back and forth to celebrate the holidays and family events. In her early years, Rita was a devoted homemaker and mother.
In her spare time, she volunteered, became a Brownie Troop leader, an "Avon Lady", and joined a women's softball league, women's bowling league as well as a co-ed bowling league with Dennis. As her children grew, she found a calling to work outside the home. She was employed by Marquette County Health Department as an administrative assistant for 25 years, performing clerical duties for various divisions until her retirement. Rita enjoyed traveling to attend Dennis' Navy ship reunions, taking a yearly trip to reunite with her three high school friends, and in more recent years regularly meeting with local friends for lunch or swimming class. Rita was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Negaunee.
Above all, her most coveted title was that of Grandma. Her grandkids were her pride and joy. She enjoyed attending their school and sporting events; reading The Mining Journal, not necessarily to keep up on current events but to look for her grandkids' names on the honor roll list and their sports highlights, as well as being on a mission to conquer the puzzles. When it came to cards and board games she was a competitor, unless she was squaring off against a grandchild and then she would gladly throw any game to give them bragging rights. She shared many meals and baked goods with the disclaimer that "the edges are burnt, the middle isn't fully cooked, and at least one ingredient is about to expire". Nonetheless, these items were always delicious and her family is happy she passed down her recipes.
Surviving are her two daughters, Patricia (Douglas) Heslip of Negaunee and Constance (Peter) Kontio of Negaunee Township; four grandchildren: Madysen and Mykenna Kontio, and Baron and Marlee Heslip; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Dennis in 2014; her brother, Anthony Piccolo; and three sisters: Kathleen Schmaltz, JoAnn Walker, and Phyllis Anderson.
Rita's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who had assisted in her 26-year battle against cancer: Dr. Acharya, PA Ashley, Dr. Clary-Lantus and all of the nurses and staff at UP Health System's Oncology Department; Dr. Grossman and the UP Home Health and Hospice team, especially her longtime nurse Elyssa and aide Cheryl whom she would look forward to seeing each week; the amazing staff and volunteers at The Trillium House; Father Larry Van Damme, who visited regularly to guide her in faith and support her in prayer; and her close friends who filled her final weeks with joy and love.
Honoring Rita's wishes, private family services will be held, with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. Burial will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Rita's memory to The Trillium House or UP Home Health and Hospice.
Mrs. Podeszwik's memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com