Age 73, of Fairview, Texas, succumbed – stubbornly yet finally – to metastatic breast cancer on January 3, 2014, surrounded by her children. Rita was a spunky Irish lass who grew up as a tomboy in Endicott, New York, where she would play in the woods, hide in trees and eat the neighbors’ fruit. She was a talented artist, exceling in a variety of media and even creating the stained glass windows that adorn her community church.
She and her husband, Bill, truly enjoyed the outdoors, and emphasized the country life as they raised their kids. Rita’s green thumb led to giant gardens teeming with vibrant vegetables – and the family’s acreage was home to cows, horses, ducks, chickens, geese, catfish and numerous other critters.
Having access to the freshest ingredients led Rita to become a gourmet cook and wine aficionado who loved to entertain. She also enjoyed exploring other cultures and cuisines as she traveled the world. She had an infectious laugh and a delightful sense of humor; she loved a good joke as much as she did a cold martini.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, John and Albina O’Neil; her husband, William (Bill); and her daughter, Michelle (Shelly) Nosel. She is survived by her sons Bryan Lueders of Plano, Texas and Erik Lueders of The Colony, Texas; daughter Teri Lueders of McKinney, Texas; sisters Jean Cicciarelli of Endicott, New York, Jackie Hardman of Englewood, Florida, and Geri Fry of Austin, Texas; brother-in-law Don Lueders of Tigard, Oregon; son-in-law Brian Nosel of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren Brandon Lueders of Jupiter, Florida and Anthony and Kate Nosel of Frisco, Texas; as well as a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen, Texas, with Fr. Timothy Church officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Jude Bell Tower Fund.