Rita Piniarski

On August 10, 2024, the world bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Rita Piniarski of Cheektowaga, NY. Rita was not just a name, but a beacon of love and strength that illuminated the lives of all who knew her.

Rita was the youngest of 10 children. Often she spoke of the challenges of growing up with six older brothers. She loved her brothers and sisters and later in life became fast friends with their spouses too. Family was always central to her being.

Rita’s Mom was born in Poland and her Father in Germany making her a first generation American. If you listened to her, initially you would think she was a “daddy’s girl”. She respected him, admired his work ethic and intelligence and would defend him should anyone dare to speak ill of him. However, Rita was also a mama’s girl” and this dedicated daughter, lovingly took care of her Mother for her entire life. She viewed it as a blessing and never a burden. 

Rita was a premature baby which was the genesis of her nickname Dolly. It was questionable whether she would survive. She not only survived but thrived. 

Rita was beautiful inside and out. From her regal stance you may have thought she was unapproachable however nothing could be further from the truth. She was warm, nurturing, selfless, ingenious, creative and loving to mention a few of her characteristics. 

Rita met the love of her life, Pinky, at a dance in 1949. Their connection was obvious if you ever saw them dance, they floated on air. For years, Rita shared a profound bond with her late husband, Alfred Piniarski, a connection that transcends the boundaries of this earthly existence. They were married for 65 years providing a perfect example of a loving and supportive relationship.Together, they nurtured a family filled with love and compassion. Rita's legacy as a mother extends beyond the title of Mom to the late Deborah Schlitt, Kathleen Piniarski, Nansy Gawne and Ellen Piniarski. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering dedication to her children will forever resonate in their hearts. As a Mother, she was strict, balanced with love and understanding. She was the first to celebrate your accomplishments and share her belief in you. 

In 2015, Rita was widowed. Although devastated by the loss of her husband, she embraced her new role a head of the family. Rita became the glue that kept the family together. She was a champion for women encouraging her daughters and granddaughters: Ashley Matusiak Shafer, Jessa Schlitt Woodburn, Sarah Poczciwinski, Molly Poczciwinski, & Madasyn Matusiak, to shoot for the stars. That not to say she wasn’t equally a cheerleader for her grandsons: Jonathan Schlitt, AJ Matusiak, David Hunt, Alex Hunt. Her presence in their lives was a gift beyond measure, a source of wisdom and tenderness that will continue to guide them. To her great grandchildren: Conrad Poczciwinski, Avery Hunt, Lily Woodburn, Grace Schafer, Evie Schlitt, Miles Shafer & Riley Hunt, Rita was affectionately known as Gigi. In their laughter and innocent eyes, her spirit will live on, as a gentle reminder of the love that knows no boundaries.

Rita gave her best to everything and everyone no matter the role: wife, mother, nana, GiGi, etc. You may have addressed her as Rita, Dolly, Mom, Nana, GiGi, however, never she or her. That was Dad’s rule. She graced this earth with style and finesse. Rita was one of a kind, one of the best. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering dedication will forever resonate in the hearts of those who loved her. For everyone who was touched by Rita's kindness, her memory will remain etched in the fabric of their lives. A testament to the impact of the warmth and generosity of a beautiful soul. Now Pinky and Dolly are reunited in a warm embrace, waltzing on heaven’s dance floor.

The opportunity to pay respects and honor Rita's life will be extended to relatives and friends on Tuesday from 4-8 PM at the NEW COMER CREMATIONS & FUNERALS located at 5090 Transit Rd. Depew, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. John Gualbert RC Church. Those who wish to join in this final farewell are invited to assemble at the church, where Rita's spirit will be lifted towards its next journey.

Following the Mass, a moment of solemnity will accompany Rita's entombment at St. Adalbert's Cemetery, a place where memories will linger, and her spirit will find eternal peace.