Rita Harrington

Madison - Rita Katherine (Luderus) Harrington completed her earthly journey on Feb. 24, 2016. She was born in Milwaukee on Nov. 1, 1937 to Elroy and Frances (Kurz) Luderus. She completed grade school at St. John de Nepomuc in June 1951, and Messmer High School in June 1955.

She was a fiercely resilient, intelligent and creative woman whose strong will served her in all relationships and pursuits. Rita met her future husband and soulmate Eugene C. "Skip" Harrington at Marquette University in 1956. Having grown up as an only child, from her Nov. 8, 1958 marriage, she immediately gained eight siblings (the Harringtons of Landsdowne, PA.) and six brothers-in-law, along with dozens of nieces and nephews. She cherished each and every one of these new family members.

With the days of her small natal family solidly behind her, she and Skip relocated from Milwaukee and raised their seven children on Madison's near-west side. It was a home of intellectual stimulation, encouragement toward community service and social justice, appreciation of the natural world and Catholic faith.

Of her home, Rita often said, "We're running a big operation here." That statement perfectly captured her perseverance and organizational skills. After her children were, mostly, grown she worked as a bookkeeper. In Rita's retirement, she more fully devoted herself to the activities she enjoyed--travel, reading, water exercise class, time with her cat, watching public television, cooking, needlework, volunteering at Blessed Sacrament School and weekly Scrabble contests with dear friends.

Rita is survived by her children, Moira (Brian Koenig) of Middleton, Timothy of Columbia, Md., Sheilah (Mike Roszkowski) of Madison, Dennis of Paris, Eileen of Columbia, Md., and Bridget (Graham Smith) of Minneapolis; and grandchildren, Kira, Jacob and Eleanor Koenig; Emma and Owen Roszkowski; and Henry and Benjamin Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Skip and son, Owen Patrick.

We love you, Mom, and rejoice that you are now reunited with Dad and Owen. As you have said many times, "You children will all be fine." How true, since with your characteristic strength and guidance, you have made certain of that.

With the recurrence of Rita's pancreatic cancer, the family appreciated the professionalism and kindness of staff on 4West, St. Mary's Hospital and Agrace HospiceCare.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2115 Rowley Ave., Madison, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at church. Memorials may be made to Food for the Poor, Dane County Friends of Ferals or Friends of Wisconsin Public Television.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434