RACINE – Rita Mae (nee: Husnik) Conway, age 81, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer.
Rita was born in St. Paul, MN on January 1, 1932 to the late Peter and Marie (Klein) Husnik. In 1953 she graduated from nursing school at St. Mary’s in Rochester, MN and worked for a doctor prior to meeting the love of her life, John Conway. They were united in marriage on June 11, 1955. This union blessed them with 6 children whom she cherished. Rita devoted her entire life to raising her family. She resumed her nursing career later in life at Lincoln Convalescent Center in Racine. She enjoyed caring for others and was loved and respected by her family, colleagues, patients and the random people she struck up conversations with for no reason at all. She never had a bad word to say about anyone.
Rita will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 58 years, John; her grateful and blessed children: AnnMarie Conway Nelson (of Racine), JoEllen (Larry) DeBoer (of Grand Prairie, TX), Nora Conway-Vazquez (of Aurora, IL), Michael Barbieri (Corrine) (of Fort Worth, TX), Thomas (Stacy) Conway (of Milwaukee, WI), and Susan Conway (of Racine); grandchildren: Jonathan (Cherie) Nelson, David Nelson, Amanda DeBoer, Jeffrey Nelson, John Barbieri, Alyssa (Raymond) Bates, Meaghan Vazquez, Daniel Barbieri, Alena DeBoer, Lauren Barbieri, Matthew Conway; and one great granddaughter: Addison Bates. She is also survived by her beloved brother Edward, his wife Genevieve, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, many good friends, and countless lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Marie Husnik; her brother Peter, her sister Geraldine, and her daughter Corrine Conway Barbieri.
Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic (6400 Spring St.) on Friday (Tonight) for a visitation from 4-6 pm. The celebration of her life and funeral Mass will take place at St. Paul the Apostle on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. William Dietzler officiating. There will also be a visitation in the church on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. Because of her love of the nursing profession, in lieu of flowers, the family plans to set up a scholarship fund for nursing students at UWM. Checks should be made out to the "Rita Mae Conway Memorial Fund" and mailed to 1901 DeKoven Avenue, Racine, WI 53403
The family of Rita would like to give special thanks for the loving care provided by Dr. Mullane and his staff, Hospice Alliance (especially Becky, her case manager), and to those who showed love and support to our family during this difficult time.
Allan Samuelson says
Rita Conway was a wonderful lady. I’m saddened by her passing. My love goes out to her family.
Joan Mielzarek says
DEAR CONWAYS, UNCLE JOHN, TOM SUE NORA ANN,
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOM AND MY AUNT . I AM SORRY THAT I CANNOT BE THERE AND BE BY YOUR SIDE. IN THIS SORROW . I WILL MISS HER SO MUCH , I KNOW SHE LIVED A GOOD LIFE I TOOK THE TOUR OF THE INSIDE OF THE FUNERAL HOM IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL . SHE IS NOW IN HEAVEN WITH CORRINE AND WITH GRANDPA AND GRANDMA HUSNIK AND UNCLE PETER. I WILL SEND YOU A CARD . I WILL SAY APRAYER FOR YOU ALL DON’T WORRY YOU WILL GET THRU THE GOOD TIMES AND BAD TIMES. GIVE UNCLE JOHN YOUR FATHER A BIG HUGE HUG AND KISSES FROM NIECE JOANIE MIELZAREK. I LOVE YOU ALL . AND UNCLE JOHN TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF . SINCERELY JOANIE MIELZAREK
Mark & Mary Mielzarek says
I will miss aunt Rita for her care free love of the life, with Uncle John ,who had to be Rita’s soul mate. Rita always had a smile and good advice if need be. Rita and John raised a family that I am very proud of. To my cousins, I say to you , Rita , your Mother is special to us all. God is getting his special angel back.
Ramona Washington says
Sue,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. I know you are surrounded by a loving a supportive family to help you during this difficult time.
Ramona
Lisa (Mielzarek) Fuith says
I am so very sorry to hear about my great aunts passing, her bright smile will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Lisa
Heather Martens says
Mrs. Conway was a kind and loving person. She gave me a great gift in having her daughter Sue, who has been my sweetest friend for more than 30 years. For that I am forever grateful. Thank you and God bless and keep you.
Love, Heather Martens
Joan Matuszak says
Dear Sue,…..My deepest, deepest sympathy to you and to all your family on the passing of your sweet, darling beloved mother…..I so enjoyed the times we did get together and won’t forget them….she was a wonderful, darling person and I know you will find comfort in all the wonderful memories of her….I pray God gives you the peace that surpasses ALL understanding as only He can…it is never easy to let go of a loved one..but be blessed knowing she is at true peace now and one day we will all be together, praising our Dear LORD with singing and dancing and never getting tired or sick anymore. (I’m so sorry I didn’t make it to the Wake or Funeral, but am a little under the weather and need to recuperate and not pass on any viruses…) Please take care and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Love you and God Bless you, all….
Joanie
Mary Huck says
My thoughts and prayers to the Conway family for their loss. Many afternoons after school spent at your house with JoEllen.
Ann Nelson says
Love you Mommy! Ann