Rita P. Sakmar

Rita P. Sakmar, 95, peacefully passed away on September 28, 2024, at Celebration Villa.  She was born in Pittsburgh, PA on November 20, 1928, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Waligorski) Modrak.  Loving wife of the late John Sakmar.  Rita was the proud and devoted mother of five daughters, Marilyn (John) Lienert, Carolyn (the late Victor) Samolovitch, Beverly (Daniel) McElroy, Sharon (Gary) Gerba and Darlene (Edward) Rosiak.  Cherished Grandmother of John (Gina) Lienert, Nicole (Joe) Meier, Kristi (Josh) Billiel, Heather Rosiak, Kelly (John) Gallagher and Carly (Jordan) Kelly.  Loving Great-Grandmother of Adalyn and Livia Lienert, Delaney and Liam Gallagher, Bryce Billiel and Evelyn Kelly.  Dear friend of the late Dan Sullivan.  Loved and cherished by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Predeceased in death by brothers and sisters, John (Tess) Modrak, Edward (Rose) Modrak, Therese (James) Young, Clara (Jack) McCoy, Regine (Anthony) Dempsey, Genevieve (Syl) Schaefer. Dorothy (Nicholas) Jaksec, Bernard (Millie) Modrak.                                                         

Rita was a life-long resident of South Side who was a loving and giving person.   One could find her most mornings at her favorite breakfast spot, O'Learys, the South Side Post Office or Friday mornings at the hair salon, Rocco’s & Michael’s Hair Creations.  If she was not enjoying her walks down Carson Street, she was usually preparing/baking/cooking her famous cupcakes, candy-coated pretzels, pierogies, paska bread, lady locks, nut roll and multiple other goodies to be given to family and friends.  She was proud of her Polish ethnicity and respectfully carried on many Polish traditions.  She enjoyed designing beaded bracelets and necklaces that she lovingly gave out to family, friends and caregivers.  She became quite the card-shark, playing five-hundred with her daughters right up to the end.

Services will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, between 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the John J. Gmiter Funeral Home, Ltd., 119 South 15th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.  A memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, St. Adalbert's Church, 160 South 15th Street, Pittsburgh, PA  15203. 

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