Slingerland, Albany County

Rita's wonderful life

Rita (Cavanaugh ) Lewandowski was reunited with the love of her life Gerard Lewandowski on December 29, 2023. First daughter born in Troy, NY in 1935 to Grace (Lewis) and William Cavanaugh. Formerly married to Donald Rivers of Northport, Florida.

Beloved sister to Mary Alice Simone, Karen Valoze and the late James, Joan & Edward Cavanaugh.

A few paragraphs can't capture how Rita gave life to her 88 years and joy to all who knew her. She was the consummate cheerleader, a picture of vivaciousness, laughter and love. Her proudest achievements were her children: David Rivers, Susan Golden, Diane (Howard) Vics, Patricia (Tony) Szczesniak & Brian (Karie) Lewandowski.

Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye: Candice (Jamie) Maier, Abbey Rivers, Emma (Nathan) Wood, Matthew (Trish) Dembling, Dillon Rivers, Samantha Golden, Allie Lewandowski, Zoe & Lily Szczesniak and Allie Lewandowski & ten adored great grandchildren. Also survived by several loved cousins, nieces, nephews, family members and dear lifelong friends.

She was a fully engaged and supportive community member, Meals on Wheels, FISH, lifelong PTA member & communicant of Saint Paul's Church, Mechanicville, and Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Latham and St. Edward the Confessor Church, Clifton Park.

The Life of the party, Rita danced and sang her way through the journey. Rita will be fondly remembered for her radiant smile, positive outlook, quick Irish wit, creativity, consummate homemaker skills, delectable Baking, cooking, themed parties and patriotism – she never missed a parade. Her annual fun Christmas Eve open house was eagerly anticipated, with 150 people, communal singing with Rita's ukulele accompaniment, yummy foods and drinks, followed by midnight mass. She was also an avid sewer, quilter, crafter, baker, cook, dancer, bowler and proud honorary Irish bocce team player.

As a proud founding member of Latham Circle Sweet Adelines chapter, she enjoyed 38 years tenure, including local, regional and international competitions and performances, even on the same Austrian stage where the Von Trapp family singers performed. Rita also returned to Mechanicville with the Dorothy Welch choir at her childhood church for holiday concerts and backing up fellow ginger, Reba McEntire in concert.

Rita's love of Mechanicville brought her home to the trains, local businesses, school and activities, community connections and she jumped wholeheartedly into the DAR, Catholic Daughters of the Americas Saint Paul, Court #71 and the Doll Ladies.

Rita enjoyed exploring and traveled locally, regionally, statewide, & worldwide, always making friends.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude for the loving care provided by Peregrine Guilderland staff & fellow residents, doting care by St. Peters Hospital staff, Shaker Place Nursing and Community Hospice caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be sent to Sweet Adelines Capitaland Chorus or the Catholic Daughters Court #71 at All Saints on the Hudson Church, Mechanicville.

Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects followed by a Christian Mass at All Saints on the Hudson, Mechanicville from 12:15pm-1:30pm on Friday, January 5, 2024 will mass beginning at 1:30pm.

Rita and her beloved Gerard will be interred together in eternity at St. Paul's Cemetery following mass.

Online remembrances may be made at www.chasesmithfamily.com