Rita M. Laudicina

Rita M. Laudicina, 67, of Roscoe, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Wetter-Ruhr, Germany on April 6, 1946, the daughter of Peter and Magdalene (Langendorf) Vasiliauskas. At the age of 10, she along with her parents and sister immigrated to Chicago, spending only a short time there before moving to Rockford. Rita graduated from Bishop Muldoon High School class of 1964 and went on to complete her studies at Alberto's School of Cosmetology. Her lively, outgoing nature touched many lives during her long career as a hair dresser. She married John Laudicina on January 15, 1966 and they spent 38 years together until John preceded her in death in 2004. Rita will be remembered for her wonderful zest for life, her ability to light up any room and her energetic sense of humor. She was a selfless person who always put others first, even while enduring her own personal health struggles. Rita loved her family, her friends and her pets, especially her Labrador Retrievers. Her kind-hearted spirit will be missed by all who loved her and those who knew her.

Rita is lovingly survived by her son, Michael Laudicina of Milton, WI; her daughter, Mary Ann Laudicina of Roscoe; her sister, Sylvia (Joe) Fuchs of Rockford; cousins in Germany Marion (Horst) Lenke, Jurgen Langendorf and Elisabeth Huenninghaus; numerous nieces and nephews; special canine companions, Bella, Sadie and Chloe. Predeceased by her parents; her husband, John and her son, Frank. The family would like to thank the doctors and the staff in the Adult Critical Care Unit at Rockford Memorial Hospital, for their compassionate care, especially nurses Geri and Julie. Also, special thanks to hospital Chaplain Sister Pat for her attentiveness and prayers.

Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St. followed by burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. with recitation of the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2014 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family. To extend condolences and share memories visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com