Edna "Rita" Lipinski

Edna “Rita” Lipinski

June 16, 1935~February 23, 2023

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. – Revelation 21:4

Rita’s miraculous life began simply enough in Nebraska. Born to Edna and Charles McFadden, she enjoyed a full and busy life with her family and siblings: George, Gene, Mary, Phil, Theresa, Joe, Irma, Helen and Dorothy. All have preceded her to Heaven.

Mom grew up in Hartington, Nebraska, attending Holy Trinity School from elementary all the way through High School. Then went on to Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Yankton, South Dakota. Obtaining, her BS degree in Nursing.  After becoming an RN, she joined the USAF at the rank of First Lieutenant and traveled all over: Chicago, IL; Montgomery, AL; Rome, NY. She was discharged from service and married Philip Henry Lipinski, Dad. It didn’t mean that traveling and moving were over. Only that she had a husband to go with her; and, soon enough, us, her four babies, Philip, Kimberly, Jacqueline and Joseph.

Mom managed us through 7 major moves as a family, still finding time to volunteer for school activities, coach sports, haul us to swim meets, make sure lunches were made, shopping was done, the house was clean and herding us along. She still managed having time for bowling, golf, cards, friends, relatives, and family vacations. Mom and Dad continued their travels with Dad’s work. Eventually, retiring and putting down roots in Shelton, WA. Retired life provided them with opportunities for golf (several club championships for both of them), friends, playing cards at their home, faith – as members of Saint Edwards Parish, and fun trips to the Grand Canyon, Reno, Laughlin and other places. Lots of visits to her kids as grandbabies came and lots of visits from her kids as the grandbabies grew.

Dad preceded Mom to Heaven on April 19, 2007. She lived independently in Shelton, WA until April 2019 when she moved to Auburn, WA then in 2021 moved to Enumclaw, WA to Julie’s Place Adult Family Home. Mom joined her family in Heaven on February 23, 2023.

She is survived by Phil and his wife Debbie and their children: Nicholas, Matthew, Megan and Erica; Kimberly and her husband Jim and their children: Sean and Kelsey; Jackie and her husband Dane; and Joe and his children: Sarah and Zachary, his fiancé Tessa and their child: Colton (Mom’s great grandchild).

A small family memorial service was held at Sacred Heart Parish in Enumclaw, WA, officiated by Fr. Lou Cunningham. Interment was at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.

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