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Rita Stefanko Obituary
Rita Joan Stefanko, 73, of Akron, passed away May 8, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born May 8, 1936 to the late Fred and Edna Krannich. Rita retired from Apple's Grocery Store. She will always be remembered as a devoted, loving, and understanding mother. She made the world a better place and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, John and siblings, Ann, Jim, Fritz, Rose, and Marie. She is survived by her sons, John (Becky) and Scott (Tina); sisters, Erma Sturm, Gretchen (Doyle) Cupp, and Wanda Saffles; grandchildren, Heidi, Caleb, Holly, Grace Ann, Rokie, Dan (Anita), Charles, and Rachel; daughters-in-law, Janet and Virginia; many nieces and nephews; and her first great-grandchild, due to arrive in October. She also leaves her cat, Calico.
Per Rita's wishes, cremation has taken place and private services will be held later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.NewcomerAkron.com. NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, (330) 784-3334.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Stefanko
Ila Hartman
May 6, 2010
Death, be not proud
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
By John Donne
The Poetry Foundation
debbie mccabe
March 26, 2010
dear john and scottt im so very sorry for the loss of aunt rita . i rember her with great fondness from years growing up and also i shopped at apples just so i could say hi to her n give her a hug. she will be greatly missed.having lost my husband in dec 08 i can truly understand how you all must feel. with much love your cousin debbie mccabe
Kara Stearns (Jones)
May 14, 2009
Stefanko family,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Tom (Hunky) was my grandfather and although I was only little when I seen John and Rita I know that she meant a lot to everyone.
Andi (Andrea) Cron
May 12, 2009
Aunt Rita will be missed greatly. I think of her so often. So many memories of the fun/silly times we've had. Thinking of them makes my day brighter.
Sending love and prayers to all my family.
Blessings and Light,
Jennifer Slivka
May 12, 2009
Dear Scott & Tina, Danny & Rokie,
Rita was a lovely lady and will always be remembered with a smile on her face and a warm heart. I wish you peace and fond memories in this sad time. Love you!
Margaret Neidert
May 12, 2009
John & Becky
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Even though I did not get to meet your mother, you know that she is now in a special place. Since Grandma Neidert got there a week before, she was probably waiting for your mom with open arms. They are now good friends.
Aunt Maggie
Chaplain D.L. Ray (S.C.S.O.)
May 11, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lucky & Karen Manestar
May 11, 2009
To John & Scott, please except our deepest condolences. God bless both of you.
Jackie Stefanko
May 11, 2009
To john&scott,I am so sorry to hear about the loss of aunt rita. she is in a better place now with uncle john.my prayers and thoughts are with you.aunt rita was a great woman.
Barbie (Cupp) Kaleja
May 11, 2009
Aunt Rita's house was a second home growing up. Every memory is precious... even the stained tea cups and ice cube fights. :)
Aunt Rita,
Thank you for being understanding and lending an ear when I needed it most. I will always love you.
Heidi Stefanko
May 11, 2009
thank you to everyone for your thoughts and cares. Grandma and i were very close. when she lived with us in our basement, i would always tell my dad i was "staying the night at grandmas house." and it was always the same routine. i would go down and we would watch television together while she also played on the computer. usually cubis or poppit. then when she got tired and was ready for bed i would take over the computer and watch the game show channel. then when i finaly fell asleep i would wake up to grandma playing on the computer with a fresh hot cup of coffee and watching little house on the prarie. and there would always be a little bit of coffee left for me. then i would go upstairs and drive my dad nuts. i love you grandma. and will never forget the memories we have together.
Carolyn Lindgren
May 11, 2009
My thoughts and prayers to John and Scott and their families at the loss of Rita. My late husband, Don Lindgren and I along with our daughter Wendy lived next door to the Stefanko's when our children were little. I have fond memories of Rita as a great neighbor and friend who loved her family dearly.
W P
May 11, 2009
THE STEFANKO FAMILY, SORRY TO HEAR THE LOSS. AUNT RITA WAS A WONDERFUL AUNT TO BE AROUND. SHE WILL BE IN MY THOUGHT AND BE WITH YOURS. GOD WILL BE WITH THE STEFANKO FAMILY.
Mike Conley
May 11, 2009
Erma, Wanda, and family...
You have our deepest sympathies at this time of incredible loss. Know in your hearts that Rita has gone Home, where the pains and challenges of this world are no more.
Hold true to your faith and your memories, and she will be with you forever.
Evelyn Conley
Mike Conley
Raquel Pamer
May 11, 2009
To John and Family,
Thinking of you, my thoughts are with you.
God Bless
FOP #139 Summit County Deputies
May 11, 2009
To John and Famliy,
From your brothers and Sisters of the Summit County Deputies FOP Lodge #139 our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ila Hartman
May 11, 2009
Aunt Rita was a wonderful aunt. John and Scott sorry for your loss. God be with you during your time of sorrow. Ila (Bergdorf) Hartman and Chester
Alice Smith
May 11, 2009
The stars will shine extra bright from now on. Rita was a wonderful person and I enjoyed working with her at Apples many years ago.
God Bless
The Staff of Newcomer Funeral Home
May 11, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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