Rita Mary Naze

Rita Mary Szarkowski Naze, 97, Rockford, IL was reunited with her husband, Anthony, on March 16, 2020. She passed away in her home surrounded by her loving children. Rita was born May 19, 1922, in Fried, ND, the seventh child and second daughter of Paul and Edith (Wiench) Szarkowski. Her family lovingly referred to her as “Mimi” because she was too cool to be called “Grandma”.

Rita grew up a farm girl with her five brothers and two sisters where work was always the order of the day. But even then, her love for all shone brightly. Rita completed eight years of schooling in a one room schoolhouse and graduated high school from St. John’s Academy in Jamestown, ND in 1940. She married Anthony Naze on June 16, 1941, at Sacred Heart Church in Fried, ND. Rita was an original “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II.

Over the course of several years, Rita and Anthony moved to Fargo, ND, St. Paul, MN, La Crosse, WI, and they eventually settled in Rockford in 1950. Rita and Anthony were charter members of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Rockford, IL where she enjoyed the friendship of fellow parishioners, but most of all her closeness to the Lord allowed her to pass on her Christian values to family and friends. She supported her husband who was a deacon in their parish. Rita held leadership positions in the parish including leading a “Renew” women’s prayer group for many years in her home. She was also an advocate for the diocesan tribunal for several years. Rita was also employed by Forest Hills Country Club, Ross’ Restaurant and Merle Norman, where she retired at the age of 85.

Rita’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She was the heart of the family. Throughout the years she would host many family gatherings and always served delicious homemade meals. The most amazing of family gatherings was the annual Christmas Eve at Mimi’s. She hired grandchildren to play Santa, Buddy from Elf and the Elf on the Shelf and did everything she could to make Christmas memorable. This gathering started with her six children and at last count, had 36 attendees. Her belief was that family should always be first. Rita also enjoyed cooking and sitting in her backyard enjoying the beauty of God’s nature.

Rita was the matriarch of her family and all of her children and grandchildren were inspired by her lead, most expressing their wish to be like her. Her lasting legacy to us was how she taught us the meaning of family and unconditional love. She always said it would be difficult for her to leave us and thus, one of the reasons she lived so long was that it was so hard for her to say goodbye.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Paula (William) Kirchens of Flippin AR, son Richard Naze of Rockford IL, and daughters, Rosemary (Thomas) Muldowney of Byron IL, Mary Ellen Naze Wilson, Cathy (Gary) Shull, Toni (Scott) Kruger of Rockford IL; brother Chuck Szarkowski of Jamestown ND; her grandchildren Diane, Kim, Lori, Keri, Tricia, Teri, David, Jessica, Kathleen, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Aaron, Sarah, Michael; her great grandchildren Kyle, Joshua, Timothy, Rebecca, Heather, Kayla, Shealynn, Jayden, Sean, Meaghan, Bria, Cole, Amanda, Kara, Elijah, Noah, Drew, Oliver, Elliot, Angelica, Ian, Isaac, Sam, Mille, Evelyn, Roldan; her great-great grandchildren Joslyn, Knox, Devon, Khloe, Jonah, Kahle, Norah, Claire, Madison, Hudson, Charlotte, Kellen, Spencer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years Anthony; her parents; her brothers Joseph, Bernard, Clifford and Raphael, sisters Blanche, Eveline and Katherine; son-in-law Edward Wilson; grandson Andrew Muldowney; and great grandchildren Jessica Payton, Devon Gussy and Ezra Lesniewski.

Rita was known for many sayings, some quite humorous, some serious and some inspirational. Some of the favorites were “If you think old, you get old” and “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

One of Rita’s goals in life was to be a published author. She realized that dream just this last Christmas when she gifted every family member with a cookbook of her favorite recipes and lifelong memories. It is a timeless treasure.

The family would also like to express immense gratitude to Rita’s granddaughter, Tricia Kitelinger, for all the care, compassion and wisdom as Mimi’s hospice caregiver. Words can’t express how thankful we are for her guidance during a very difficult journey with our mother and Mimi.

Due to the current gathering restrictions there will be no public services at this time. There will be a celebration of Rita’s life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Rita’s favorite charities will be made at a later time.