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BORN
1934
DIED
2021
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Rita Harper Obituary
KINGSTON — Rita M. Harper, 86, of Kingston, passed away peacefully Thursday at The Gardens of East Mountain.
Rita was born in Kingston, Aug. 5, 1934. She was the daughter of the late William and Nellie Yenshuski. She was a retired custodian from Bishop O'Reilly High School.
She was the widow of Francis C. Harper, who passed away Dec. 8, 1977.
She was a member of Saint Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, Kingston and the former Saint Mary's Annunciation. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing cards and attending local sporting events, including her sons' Harps AC Softball games and bowling leagues.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Margaret Connor and Dorothy Britt. She is survived by her sisters, Marion Cesarini (Charles) and Carol Gallagher (Leo).
Rita was a devoted mother to her eight children: William, his spouse Sandy Harper; Michael; Deborah Ann, wife of David Morgan; Frank, husband of Georgette Harper; Thomas, husband of Mindy Harper; Karen, wife of Michael Gallagher; Paul, husband of Michaline Harper; and Bonnie Ann, wife of Michael Ellsworth. Granny Rita was most proud of her 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was always involved in their lives and never missed a birthday card.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Ignatius Church for the immediate family. Friends and relatives are invited to a walk-through visitation Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Kopicki Funeral Home, Kingston.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Harper
Michael Kopec
March 4, 2021
To Bonnie, Paul, and Karen and the Rest of their families My Deepest sympathy to you all in this most difficult time.
Remember that you are Not Alone Pray to God when you need HIM the most.
Mike
Bishop O' Reilly Class of '87
Joe Ziller
March 4, 2021
Debbie, Mike and Harper family. Sorry to of your mom's passing. Thoughts are with you.
Joe Ziller (O'Reilly 77, McD's Edwardsville)
Nancy and Allan Valunas
March 2, 2021
So very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Harper family.
Carol Carroll
March 2, 2021
Heartfelt condolences from the Ostroski family. RIP Rita. ♡
Mike Ellsworth
March 1, 2021
To the entire Harper family, we are so sorry for your loss. Rita was an incredible person, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Thinking of you and sending prayers!
bruce washney
March 1, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with the whole Harper family.
Lenny Blazick
March 1, 2021
So sorry to hear about your Mom's passing.
Tony Santey
March 1, 2021
My dearest friends,
Bill, Tommy, Frank, Paul, and Dan as well as the rest of the grieving family. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and the entire Harper family for your loss. I regretfully was unable to pay my respects in person last night, but i want you all to know my heart is filled with sorrow on this sad occasion. May your mother/ grandmother rest in peace. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all today.
Deborah Harper
March 1, 2021
All our love Auntie Rita..My Mama Elizabeth Harper and I send our condolences to all my cousins and family members❣May you rest in peace in Jesus name ✝ Deborah Harper
Christina Myerski
February 28, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Rita’s passing! She was an original and I felt blessed to have met her. Rita touched a lot of lives and left an abundance of love and happy memories. She will be missed!!!! Dave & Christina Myerski
Lori Liparula
February 28, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Harper family. I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless
Barbara
February 28, 2021
So very sorry to have lost a great friend. We were friends for all of our 86 years. Rita was a devoted mother and friend. Her family always came first. She was the strongest and bravest person I have known.
Jim Lynch
February 28, 2021
My day was not complete without a brief interaction with Rita. She was as much an important part of Bishop O'Reilly as any teacher or administrator. She was a wise and insightful person who saw the world with a laugh and a wry comment. I'm glad that our paths crossed during our time at the school.
Carol A Carroll
February 27, 2021
I'm very sorry for the loss of your mom and grandma. Rita was a very kind person. I've thought of you all over the years and have fond memories of growing up on Center Street on the other side of the double block. You were so lucky to have your mom so long. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. ♡
Stanley Arnold Jr
February 27, 2021
Bonnie and family may your mom rest in Eternal Peace with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.
Elaine Guarriello
February 27, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I’ll always remember your mom adding life to every family gathering I attended, especially in Boiling Springs. Sending prayers and hugs to you all!
Anita Sirak
February 27, 2021
Sincere sympathy to the Harper family. Rita was a wonderful person who cared for all of us at Bishop O'Reilly. She was a respected member of our family. I always admired her love and strength as a mother. She raised great children whom I was honored teach. God grant Rita eternal rest. Mrs. Sirak
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