Rita E. Jusko

Rita E. Jusko, 93, of Fredonia, formerly of Dunkirk, passed away Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, at Brooks Memorial Hospital.

Born on June 16, 1927, in Dunkirk, daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Wisniewski) Tuczynski.

A life-long resident of Dunkirk, and member of Blessed Mary Angela R.C. Parish Church of St. Hyacinth, and past member of the Our Lady of Fatima Society. Rita was a devout Catholic and firmly believed in the power of prayer.

Her life revolved around her family as she took great pride in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always had family pictures to share and would talk proudly about the children’s accomplishments. Her most joy was being with family for the holidays, birthdays and other family functions.A former employee at Dunkirk Ice Cream, Rita volunteered for many years at Chautauqua Opportunities in the Foster Grandparent program.She loved “rocking her babies to sleep” and provided motherly love to dozens of children over the years.

For the past three years Rita was a resident at the WCA Home in Fredonia, where she enjoyed bingo, time at the salon, making arts and crafts and most importantly, spending time with her friends whom she “laughed everyday” with.A life-long Buffalo Bills fan, her true passion was for the New York Yankees. She also enjoyed trips to the casino and her “scratchies.”

Rita is survived by a daughter, Cynthia Jusko of Dunkirk; sons James (Ellen Bourne) Jusko of Buffalo, Michael (Patricia) Jusko of North Tonawanda, Joseph (Olga) Jusko of Dunkirk, a sister Dorothy Krystofiak of Dunkirk; grandchildren Mark (Nicole) Jusko, Kristen (Thomas) Morrissey both of North Carolina, Brian (Melissa) Schrantz of Gerry, Derek and Morgan Jusko of North Tonawanda; great-grandchildren Bryson and Rileigh Jusko, Eliza, Katrina and Luke Schrantz and Reese Morrissey.Preceded in death in addition to her parents is her husband, Chester Jusko, whom she married June 14, 1947, and died Sept. 18, 1988; and infant son John C. Jusko. Rita will be dearly missed by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Dunkirk Fredonia Meals on Wheels.

A special “Thank You” to the staff at WCA Home, where Rita received such incredible care, love and support.

Following the guildelines and protocols administered by the governor of New York, Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Friday morning at 10 AM in Blessed Mary Angela R.C. Parish Church of St. Hyacinth.Interment will be in St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc.