Rita George

The world is full of mothers, but there are few who fully embrace the enormity of the task. Rita George was one such woman as being a mother seemed to be a job that was tailor made for her. She provided for the needs of her children in every way, but she was also a trusted confidante and a true friend. Rita was such a special woman, kind, compassionate, and understanding – a woman who always saw the good in everyone. She could whip up anything in the kitchen, and make a meal stretch further than anyone. Rita’s heart beat to love her family who has been forever blessed to call Rita their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

The year 1917 is often remembered as the year in which America entered WWI, but it was also a year in which the first jazz record was recorded, race riots were becoming commonplace across our nation, and the state of New York first allowed women to vote. This was a year for great celebration in the family of Jacob and Matilda (Schafer) Cook as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Rita, on April 10th. Born in a home just north of M-21 outside of Pewamo, Michigan, Rita was the third of seven children in her family. Her father purchased a farm in order to support their family while her mother tended to the children and the household needs. Initially Rita attended school in the Bauer Country School before attending St. Joseph Catholic School through the eighth grade. Although it was fairly uncommon for the youth of this generation to continue on to high school, Rita attended Pewamo High School. It was as a student that Rita became acquainted with the young man with whom she would write an eloquent love story. His name was Joseph George and soon after she graduated, they started spending more time together.

After graduating from high school, Rita was eager to begin the next chapter in her life. She began working as a helper in a couple of area homes, assisting with the families’ children and housework earning four dollars a week. Rita later worked at St. Lawrence Hospital for a time. The passing of his mother was a life-altering event in Joe’s life as it prompted him to ask his sweetheart to marry him. Rita accepted and the couple was united in marriage on May 14, 1940. Right after the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon, Joe’s father moved in with them for awhile. Joe began working on the farm while Rita managed the house.

Over the years that followed, their family grew to include four wonderful children: Luke, Bruce, Glen, and Carol. Rita considered it her highest calling to care for her children and she made doing so seem easy. She not only fulfilled their every need, but she also gave her children both the roots and wings they needed to become the adults she became so proud of. Rita was an unbelievable cook who discovered how to make a meal go further than anyone – perhaps out of necessity with three growing boys to feed! She was famous for her “rabbit pie,” but the dish her family loved the most was her mouth-watering chicken. It was commonplace for Rita to make huge breakfasts after the milking was done and through the years, she had to have made thousands of pancakes.

Although caring for her family was her main ambition, Rita did pursue a few other interests as well. She and Joe liked traveling most weekends during the summers to attend “gas engine shows.” Faith was a vital part in Rita’s life and they attended Mass every week at St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was a longtime member. She was also a member of the Altar Society in Pewamo and her last words before bed every night were the words of the prayer, “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.” Rita loved to play cards, especially “wild rummy,” and she loved going out to eat as well.

The common theme throughout the life of Rita George was love – love for her husband, love for children and grandchildren, and love for her Lord. She and her husband of 63 years modeled what marriage is at its best, a true reflection of selfless love. Rita possessed a faith that was a living, breathing part of her daily life and the source for both her joy and her strength. She was a gracious woman who was always at the ready to offer a listening ear or a piece of sound advice laced with years of wisdom sifted through her tender heart. Nothing brought Rita greater joy than being surrounded by her children and grandchildren no matter what they were doing. Rita will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Rita A. George died Jun 10, 2010. Rita’s family includes her three sons, Luke George of St. Johns, Bruce (Diane) George of Pewamo, and Glen (Nadine) George of Wacousta; one daughter, Carol (Bernard) Simon of Westphalia six grandchildren; twelve great- grandchildren; three sisters, Rosaline Schanski, Katherine (Bill) Bushong, Geraldine (Don) Schafer; and two sisters-in-law, Joan Cook and Joan Smith. Rita was preceded in death by husband Joe in 2003; her parents; her infant son, Mark; two sisters, Bernita Koenigsknecht and Elda George; one brother, Norman Cook; and three brothers-in-law, Leonard Koenigsknecht, Leo George, and Joseph Schanski. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 14, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo, burial at St. Joseph Cemetery with Father Charlon Mason officiating. The family will receive friends, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday with rosaries being prayed, Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., and a Vigil Service, Sunday at 8 p.m., at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 11112 W. Ionia, Fowler. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Trust Fund. To learn more about Rita and view her Life Story film, visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/59590.