Ryta Smith

1922 - 2016

Ryta R. Smith, 93

Worcester - Ryta Ruth (Kubert, Kudarauskas) Smith, 93, peacefully passed away on February 5, 2016 after complications related to dementia at the Notre Dame Long Term Health Care Center Worcester.

Born in Worcester to the late Vincent P. and Mary (Levickas) Kubertavicius, she was the youngest of three and graduated from Commerce High School in 1941. While raising her family, Ryta was employed as an office clerk at the Ware Pratt Men's Clothing Store and waitressed on weekends at Millbury Street Cafe, the family business. In1984 she retired after serving 13 years as a clerk with the Massachusetts Trial Court (Worcester Division). She was a member of the Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts, however, her most enduring legacy is reflective in her family, to whom she was selflessly and lovingly devoted throughout her life.

Ryta was predeceased by her first husband of 29 years, Frank J. Kudarauskas and is survived by their children, Carolyn Pacek and her husband Leonard of Holden, Frank J. Kudarauskas and his wife Linda of Dennis, Paul R. Kudarauskas of Stow and his fiancé Marylu Sanchez. She is also predeceased by her second husband of 24 years, John Vincent Smith and is survived by his children, Margaret Benedict and her husband William of Harwichport, John Francis of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Suzanne Mallaghan and her husband Edward of Worcester, and Debora Smith of Londonderry, NH. Rita has six grandchildren, five step-grandchildren,and twenty great grandchildren. She is also predeceased by her two brothers, Vincent W. and Peter Kubert, and survived by dozens of Kubert family nephews and nieces.

Ryta was raised in Our Lady of Vilnius parish; the same parish which nurtured deep Catholic faith, which ignited her long and industrious life of service to her family and neighbors. Blessed with many artistic talents, she lovingly shared them by volunteering to many parish causes. An accomplished seamstress, Ryta created altar cloths and liturgical vestments for priests throughout the diocese including St. Paul's Cathedral, where she taught sewing to inner city girls and for the former Calvary Monastery in Shrewsbury where she was also a veteran retreatant and officer in the women's guild. Upon her remarriage she moved to Our Lady Of The Rosary parish where she continued her life of service by baking for the Mustard Seed.

In winter, Ryta was an avid skier and spent summers sharing her Cape Cod mobile home with family and friends. In her younger years, she and her family traveled by car throughout the USA and later on, adventured to Europe. However, she gained most joy and accomplishment by accepting challenges in creating home decor, chic fine fabric and fur fashions for herself, family and friends, which were well showcased in her stylish wardrobe and self -decorated home, where she loved to entertain.

Upon the arrival of her grandchildren, Ryta refocused her loving energies and devoted herself to their endless care and personal support. She has been a pillar of endless faith-filled blessings as she nurtured and cherished them. They now describe Ryta as a beautiful, stylish, strongly independent, creative, courageous, Thrifty, fun loving grace-filled Catholic woman of gratitude who will not be forgotten. Ryta 's precious legacy of vibrant Catholic faith continues on!

When dementia robbed her of independence, Ryta moved to Notre Dame du lac Assisted Living where she flourished once again in their Catholic compassionate care. Ryta's gracious beauty attracted her neighbor George Glodis, with a love lasting three and half years until dementia curtailed their beautiful friendship. Ryta transferred to Sterling Village until she entered the loving hospice program at Notre Dame Long Term Health Care Center where she spent her final days in comfort and dignity.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 with a Mass at 10:30 am in the Chapel of Notre Dame du Lac, 555 Plantation St. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am in HENRY- DIRSA-FUNERAL Service, 33 Ward Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Notre Dame Healthcare Center, 555 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605. www.worcesterfuneral.com