Rita M. Stark

Rita Martha (Dobratz) Stark, 91, of Cheshire and Newtown, Connecticut, went to her heavenly home on June 5, after a long illness.

Born in the Bronx, N.Y., on March 30, 1932, the loving mother of three daughters was predeceased 18 months ago by her husband of 67 years.

Rita worked as an administrative assistant in the insurance industry in New York City when she met her husband, Joseph, on a New Year’s Eve blind date. They were married before Joseph left to serve in the Korean War, and when he returned, started a family.

Family was the joy of Rita’s life, and she liked caring for, cooking for, and connecting with her three daughters, four grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. As the daughter of German immigrants, and one of seven children, she honored her heritage and was known for traditional recipes for German pot roast and red cabbage, Linzer tarts, and Christmas goodies. She could whip up any dish, never needing a recipe, and often hosted family gatherings and holidays. She was known as “Nan” to the grandkids, who would often ask her to build a Lego creation, play a game, or make them laugh.

Rita was known for her kind heart, and liked to remember people with unique gifts and homemade treats. She never missed anyone’s birthday and enjoyed shopping for others. Every present for Christmas – her favorite holiday – was exquisitely wrapped with beautiful handmade bows. She always made sure everyone in the family had what they needed, and graciously gave of her time and attention. Her door was always open to friends and neighbors to chat over a cup of tea.

She also enjoyed children. After her own family was grown, she provided child care to working families, and treated each child as if they were part of her own family.

Rita and Joseph left the Bronx in the late ‘60s to buy a home in the suburb of Carmel, NY, where they lived for 30 years. As retirees, they moved to Florida, but returned to Connecticut because they missed family. The couple settled in Cheshire, where they lived for 16 years.

Faith was particularly important to Rita, who practiced her lifelong Lutheran religion, most recently at Cheshire Lutheran Church in Cheshire, and Christ the King in Newtown. At Cheshire Lutheran, she was a member of the Women’s Group, and organized the greeting card fundraiser. She also greeted people at Sunday services, and made apple pies for the fall fundraiser. Previously, she belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church in Brewster, N.Y., for many years, and taught Sunday School.

Rita loved all flowers, but geraniums were her favorite. She enjoyed making artificial arrangements, and planting and tending to her gardens. Earlier in life, she was a fitness walking enthusiast and took up water aerobics in her later years. She could play a good game of gin rummy, cheer on the Yankees, and enjoy viewing family photos on her digital device.

Community service was also important to Rita, who volunteered with the Shriners Hospital and other organizations, while living in Florida. A true patriot, Rita loved her country and enthusiastically supported U.S. veteran groups. She liked to follow current events and popular TV shows like The Voice.

She is survived by her daughters, Wendy Healy (Kenneth) of Danbury, CT; Cindy Manning (Mark) of Newtown, CT; April Stark of Salt Point, NY; grandchildren Ryan Manning (Stephanie) of Derry, NH; Peyton Manning of Stamford, CT; Hannah Fisher of Salt Point, NY; Nathaniel Fisher of Salt Point, N.Y., and great-granddaughter Autumn Manning of Derry, NH. She leaves a brother-in-law, Robert Stark (Jean) of Houston, Texas, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her six siblings.

Arrangements: Friends may greet her family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main Street, on Wednesday evening, June 07, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M, on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Cheshire Lutheran Church, 660 West Main St., Cheshire. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at church. Committal of Rita’s ashes will follow in the Columbarium at Cheshire Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in her name, may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Autism Speaks.