Rita Reese

Rita M. Reese, 89, of Greensburg passed away on Friday, June 7 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. She was surrounded by loved ones. Daughter of the late Frank E. and Helen D. Jaski, Rita was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 25, 1923. She was the devoted wife of the late John D. Reese. Rita was an enthusiastic alumnae of the University of Michigan, earning both BA and MA degrees. Her intelligence and desire for lifelong learning transcended her generation and inspired those around her. She was a member of the Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Greensburg. Rita was a community volunteer and private philanthropist. She was a lifelong member of the Greensburg Garden Club, a past president of the YWCA, a member of the Excela Health Hospital Auxiliary, an active member of the Westmoreland Symphony, a volunteer at St. Anne's Home, and a former cub scout den mother and girl scout leader. An avid sports fan, every Saturday Rita proudly rooted for the Maize and blue and for whoever was playing against Ohio State. She also loved cheering on the Steelers and Penguins. She is survived by her brother Tad Jaski and his wife Lucille of Phoenix, AZ, son Terry Reese and his wife Debbie of Greensburg, daughter Star Reese of New York, NY and son Tom Reese and his wife Nancy of Boca Raton, FL, as well as several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and six great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Rita was preceded in death by her son David Reese, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Reese, and granddaughters Katherine Reese and Jessica Nelson. Rita was the strong and loving matriarch of her family, possessing a wonderfully fun loving spirit and a profound resilience in the face of adversity. She showed grace and strength when faced with tremendous loss, drawing upon her deep faith, a gift her family will emulate while mourning the loss of their beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother. The family is deeply grateful for the efforts and compassion of the doctors, nurses and staff of the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital Neurological ICU unit. Family and friends will be received on Monday from 5 to 8 pm at the Kepple-Graft Funeral Home, 524 N. Main St. Greensburg. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 am in the Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Father Paul Lisik as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, 102 N. Main St. Suite 232, Greensburg, Pa. 15601 For online condolences and information please visit www.kepplegraft.com .

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