Rita “Ruth” Staglin passed away peacefully on February 12, 2023 at the age of 95.
Rita attended Brighton Schools from Grade 2-12 and graduated in 1946. She then went to RIT where she received her degree in Art in 1949. She was a long-time employee of Sears and Roebucks, where she worked in Advertising.
She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Staglin; mother, Helen Catherine (Oberlies); father, Louis George Klee; brother, David Jean Klee, his wife Joan (Martin); and her very dear cousin, Sister Mary Agnes Tierney SSJ. She is survived by her niece, Susan Guarracino (John); nephews, Paul Martin Klee (Laura), Peter Michael Klee, and several other nephews.
Although Frank and Rita had only a short marriage before his death in 1977, Rita describes it as the most “wonderful years of her life”, even though her parents were very much against it. They were married in Williamsville, NY in 1974 under a garden trellis next to a Catholic Church.
Rita had a large circle of friends throughout her lifetime, whom she valued and treasured deeply. Rita was one of the most caring and generous women around. She loved to send cards to people, and of course enjoyed talking on the phone. She was a very devout Catholic woman, and her faith kept her going. Her favorite Saint was Padre Pio. One of his expressions she was well known for quoting is “Don’t worry, worry is useless.” She could often be heard, telling people, “You can’t look back, you can only go forward” and “Always look up.” Rita loved her dogs, Snuffy, Maggie and Schatzie, whom she was very devoted to and adored.
Family and friends are invited to her Celebration Mass on Thursday 9:30am at St. Pius Tenth Church, 3000 Chili Ave. Rochester, NY 14624. Interment, St. Pius Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd. Fairport, NY 14450.
