Rita M. Schea, 89, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, surrounded by loving family in her home in Janesville, WI.

Rita was born December 15, 1932, in Chicago, IL to John and Catherine (Kopczyk) Biernacki.

Rita married Norman W. Schea on May 30, 1953, in Chicago, IL.  They had three daughters and moved to Elmwood Park, IL in 1963.  Rita enjoyed cooking, baking, fishing trips to Wisconsin, and spending time with friends and family. She will be remembered for her warm smile, genuine personality, and her ability to make others feel welcome in her home.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman of 41 years; son-in-law, Robert Smelcer; parents, John and Catherine; siblings, John (Delores) Biernacki, Eleanore (Chester) Musiala, Paul (Eleanor) Biernacki, and Patrick (Ann) Biernacki.

Rita is survived by her daughters, Kathleen (Carl) Hallmann, Karen Smelcer, and Karolyn (Mark) Angelacos; grandchildren, Amanda Hallmann, Jessica (Gerad) Krakel, Rob Smelcer, Michael Smelcer, Christina (Micah) Vaughn, and Zachary Angelacos; great grandchildren, Ansley, Lillian, Weston, Dominic, Viviana, Corbin, and Rowan.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2022, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190.

Rita’s family would like to sincerely thank all her St. Croix Hospice caregivers for their kindness and compassion. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com