Rita Mae Malatesta

Rita Mae Malatesta Our wonderful mom fully enjoyed 98 years of life. Her staunch faith and infectious sense of humor carried her through to the end. She passed away on February 27, 2021 at Beaumont Hospital. Rita Mae was born in a Polish neighborhood in Detroit, attended Assumption grade school and graduated from Holy Redeemer High School. She spoke Polish fluently and was an excellent student. When a Sister from HR saw her best stenography student working as a stock clerk, the Nun recommended her to the owner of S & F Tool Company. She was hired and met our dad there. They married in 1944. Lou and Rita bought their first home on Warrick in Detroit and lived there until 1959 when they moved to Farmington. They remained life long friends with families from both neighborhoods. A long-standing weekend entertainment was playing Pinochle with their best friends Jack and Dorothy, and Uncle Red and Aunt Margaret. Rita was a full time mom until dad died in 1976, after which she went to work for JL Hudson Company. Mom was a devoted Catholic throughout her life. After retirement she attended Mass daily and prayed the rosary with her friends, often at St. Colette Church. For decades she led a weekly holy hour of prayer at the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament. Our “I hate to travel” mom boldly journeyed to Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, when amply nudged by her friends, especially Pat. Among Rita’s talents was writing, especially comical jingles. She won a contest, “Why I like to shop at Federals,” a department store in Michigan. She won 12 pair of precious nylon stockings. Nylon was rationed because it was used for parachutes in World War II. She also won a contest sponsored by TV cooking show, Lady of Charm, taking first place for her ad. The prize was three blouses. In her younger days, Rita tended flower gardens, iris and roses her favorites. She played the organ. Mom recycled old greeting cards into gift cards and boxes. Mom preferred crocheting to knitting, though she did both. But, she said that crocheting was easier to rip back when you made a mistake. She mostly made afghans, hats and baby sets. Back in the day, she thought up new crochet patterns and dressed dolls for the Good Fellows Christmas gift giving. We; Mary Lou, Jim, Louise and Joe, will miss our mom’s wisdom, wit, and loving care. Rita is survived by her four children, their spouses, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Your prayers for Mom and her family are welcomed with deep appreciation. God bless you all. If you decide to attend her visitation at the Funeral Home or the Mass at St. Colette, please strictly follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to your local food bank.

Rita Mae Malatesta

November 25, 1922 - February 27, 2021