Obituary of Rita M. Stewart

Rita M. Stewart, 103, of Medina entered peacefully into rest on October 14, 2020 at the Orchard Manor Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.

Born September 4, 1917 in Medina, she was the daughter of the late David H. and Rose (Cavagnaro) Howe. She married Roy F. Stewart on October 24, 1936 in Shelby Center. Rita was a longtime parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church in Medina. Hardworking from a young age, Rita worked for the Snider Packing Co., Birds Eye Foods, Thomas J. Lipton Co. and finally for Fisher-Price Toys, where she retired from in 1983. She enjoyed sewing, needlework, quilting, bowling, long car rides and most of all spending time with her loving family.

Predeceased by husband, Roy in 2000; daughter, Kathryn M. Isham in 2019; four grandchildren, Peter Isham, Jackie Isham, Joseph Isham and Alex Sydney; and two brothers, Harold Howe and Joseph Howe.

Survivors include her three daughters, JoAnn R. Sydney of Medina, Frances M. (Lawrence) Isham of Depew and Marie U. (Stephen) Horton of Greece; nine grandchildren, Christine Freeman, Sanford Isham, Jennifer Bickley, Amy Kennedy, David Isham, Daniel Sydney, Rebecca Miller, Jessica Paine and Andrew Horton; eighteen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family extends special appreciation to friends, Jeannie and Carl Wagner, for their help and comforting care during Rita’s final years.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 23^rd from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Prayer will be offered on Saturday, Oct. 24^th from 10:00-10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.