Rita Barbara Sander's Obituary
Rita Barbara Sander, age 86, departed this life to begin her eternal life with our Lord on May 19, 2017. She was born October 14, 1930 to Anthony and Sophia (Dutkiewicz) Mazurkewicz in Muskegon, and was a lifelong resident. She worked at Morton Manufacturing before raising her family, loved animals and had many pets throughout her life. Rita was a devout Catholic, living her faith daily, selfless in her passion ministering to others. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church until its closure, and has since celebrated her faith as a member of Our Lady of Grace Parish. She was active in the Ladies Guild, funeral committee, and Eucharistic Ministry. On May 20, 1950 Rita married Donald K. Sander and they celebrated 47 years together before Don passed away in 1997. Rita was surrounded by the love of family, and survivors include her children, Tom (Peggy) Sander, Karen Langlois, Pamela (Russ) Holtz, and Ted (Sally) Sander; sister, Lorraine Hopka; sister-in-law, Gaile Sander; many grand and great-grandchildren. Rita was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Joseph Langlois, Jr.; grandson, Daniel Sander; and great-grandson, Henry Wright. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. You may visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Contributions in memory of Rita may be made to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, or Pound Buddies. Arrangements by The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., (231) 759-8565.
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