Rita Marion WICHOWSKI

WICHOWSKI Rita Marion Rita Marion Wichowski, 90 years old, of Toledo, was called to her Lord on June 27, 2011, surrounded by her devoted family. Born in Toledo to Felix and Catherine (Michniewicz) Swiderski on March 18, 1921, she married her beloved Nicholas Wichowski Sr. on February 25, 1940 and celebrated 52 years of marriage before Nick departed this life. Rita was active throughout her life in several organizations. She was president of the Woodward High School Band Mothers, vice president of the Fourth Ward Women's Democratic Club, Girl Scout leader, St. Hedwig's PTA and president of St. Hedwig's St. Vincent de Paul Society. In 1963 Rita received the Alpha Omicron Pi Mother of the Year award. Rita was a cosmetologist and operated her own beauty shop for several years. She later retired from the dietary department of St. Vincent Hospital. Rita loved to paint ceramics, knit, crochet, do several crafts, play bingo, read, and dance. Throughout her life Rita's first concern and priority was always her family. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Margaret Swiderski and Lottie Woda; brother, Leonard Swiderski and special uncle, Peter Kuzawinski. Rita will be deeply missed by her children, Barbara (Lanny) Szczurek, Nick Wichowski, Jr. and Shirley (Tom) Jensen. Her memory will be cherished by her grandchildren, Lanny (Denise) Szczurek, Jr., Cathie (Patrick) Finney, Jeffrey Szczurek, Nick Wichowski III, Linda Brooks, Kristen (Michael) Easterday and Lauren Jensen; great-grandchildren, Devan, Joe, Kaylyn, Zane, Donovan, Brooke, Kaitlyn, Kasidy and Ciaran. She is survived by her sister, Helen Czech; brother, Edward (Florence) Swiderski and many nieces and nephews. She had a special relationship with Judy Wichowski and Stephanie Faykosh. The family wishes to thank the many wonderful people who befriended Rita and cared for her at the Lutheran Village at Wolf Creek. The family also wishes to extend their appreciation to Deb and Roberta for their care and support. Family and friends may call Thursday, June 30, 2011, from 2pm until 4pm and 5pm until 8pm in the Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home 2426 N. Reynolds Road (between Central and Bancroft) where services will be held Friday, July 1, 2011, beginning at 10:15am and continuing with celebration of the funeral mass at 11am in St. Hedwig Church followed by interment in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Scripture service Thursday 6pm. Memorial tributes suggested in the form of contributions to Lutheran Village at Wolf Creek.