Rita Marie, 63, of Port Charlotte, Fla., and formerly of Milwaukee, Wis., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012.

She was born Aug. 16, 1949, and raised in Gary, Ind., to Edward and Bernice (nee Pikula) Frankiewicz.

Rita received her Bachelor’s at Western Michigan University, and Master’s from Purdue University in Calumet, Ind.; in addition, she earned certifications from UWM, MATC, WCTC and MIAD. After many years as a Special Education Teacher, she found her professional happiness in Graphic Art and Design. Besides Rita’s love of arts and crafts, writing, singing, crocheting, knitting, painting, reading, and playing piano and violin, she also loved ballroom dancing, bowling and was a bowling instructor. She was president of her pledge class at the Kappa Rho Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Rita will be greatly missed by her sons, Marc (Rebecca) Mihalik and Matthew Mihalik; daughter, Michelle (Joshua) Morgan; sister, Marcia (Richard) Frankiewicz; grandchild, Katelynn; four step-grandchildren; a niece; a nephew; and her supportive and loving extended family.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, with a funeral Mass to follow at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.Ltaylorfuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.

Arrangements are by Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services.