Rita Mary Kitching, of West Chicago, peacefully passed away on May 25, surrounded by her loving family, just two days before her 101st Birthday. Rita was born on May 27, 1923, in the back room of her Uncle Tony’s grocery store in Chicago.
Rita was one of seven siblings, including four sisters, Rosemary, Mary and twins Jenny and Josie and two brothers Joe and Jack. Rita lived through the Great Depression of 1929, the great recession of 1937, and World War II from 1939 to 1945. Despite the chaos of these tragic years, Rita could hear the calling of the teaching profession. She completed her college work in 1944 with an Education Degree, later in life earned a master’s degree and began to teach in Chicago Public Schools. Rita’s teaching career spanned nearly four decades. Rita married her loving husband George William Kitching in 1946 and moved to West Chicago in 1951. While raising five son’s Rita taught elementary school at St. Mary’s Parish and moved on to teaching in West Chicago Public Schools, retiring at age 67.
Rita was a devoted spouse, mother, sister, and grandmother. Rita is survived by her sons, Charles (Barbara), Vincent, Joseph (Deborah), and John (Amy), and thirteen grandchildren, Heather, Noah, Kim, George, Lori, Joe, Mike, Katie, Ben, Tom, Allie, Kasandra, Jessica, and one great grandson Henry. Also survived are numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Rita is preceded in death by her parents Vincent Tranchida and Barbara (nee Angileri), husband George and her son George.
Rita’s life was a testament to her deep faith, strong family values, and commitment to making the world a better place. Rita was a devout Catholic, attending daily mass most of her adult life, and served in a variety of ministries at Sunday mass, including Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, organist, lector, choir member, and delivered Holy Communion to shut-ins for many years. Rita was very proud when she received a lifetime achievement pin as a member of the Catholic Daughters. During and after her final years of teaching, Rita attended to her beloved husband, George for many years as he battled terminal cancer and died in 1981.
Rita was an avid traveler, she traveled to Rome, Greece, Australia, Fiji Island, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Africa, and the Holy Land. In Australia she rode a hot air balloon over the Tasmanian plains to observe the wild animals below. Rita witnessed the Passion Play in Oberammergau, located in Bavaria Germany. The Passion Play has been performed every tenth year for nearly 400 years.
Rita enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. She particularly enjoyed the many visits and card playing with sisters Jenny, Josie, and sister-in-law Mary. Rita practiced Tai Chi, enjoyed country western line dancing, and developed many friendships at Wayne Township Senior Center. Rita continued to enjoy cooking meals for visiting family and friends. She just never stopped being a Mom. Rita’s legacy of love, kindness and service will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Rita will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Visitation took place on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Norris-Segert Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 132 Fremont St., West Chicago. Procession was over to St. Mary’s Church, 164 N. Oakwood Ave, West Chicago for Mass. Interment followed at Assumption Cemetery, 1S510 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL. There was a celebratory luncheon is at Courtyard Banquets & Catering in Warrenville, IL
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Mary’s Church or your favorite animal shelter.
