Rita was born in Pennsylvania on October 22, 1931 to Susan Cassidy and Ed Stroster. She was the second of five children. Rita’s family moved to Detroit when she was a child. She attended St. Philip’s grade school on Detroit’s east side and was a graduate of St. Martin’s High school in 1950. Rita married her boyfriend, Paul George Semelsberger, on August 16, 1952. They enjoyed boating together on Lake St Clair for many years. They played lots of Euchre with family and friends. Rita was firstly and fun wherever she went. Rita worked for 32 years at Parke-Davis in Detroit. She ran the switchboard, which was a very challenging job.
Rita was predeceased by all of her siblings. Her brother Fran (Rose), and brother Charles "Bucky" Stroster (Lorraine), her sisters Agnes Pizzimenti (Joe) and sister Hilda Reasoner (Gerry). When Rita, married into the Semelsberger family, she gained 7 brother-in-laws, Harry, Bob, Rocky, Russ, Frank, Ken and Dave. Rita was a person of great faith, she attended morning Mass almost daily at St Joan of Arc Catholic Church. She said prayers in her daily life. Rita & Paul cared for Paul's mother every day during Clara's senior years. Rita spent lots of time with her sisters, Agnes & Hilda. It broke her heart when they passed away. Rita was a real dog lover. Her neighbor, Melissa (adopted granddaughter), would take Princess, the dog, for many walks together. Rita would love to meet for lunch with her nieces Debbie & Denise & cousin Vickie whenever they could get together. She also enjoyed lunch with her cousin Cindy.
Rita has lots of nieces & nephews from both sides of the family. Rita was predeceased by nephews, Scott Semelsberger, Danny Semelsberger, David Pizzimenti and nieces, Kirstie and Denise. Rita is survived by nephews, Victor, Richard, Steve, Peter, Eric, David, Kevin, Keith, Mark, Michael and Joe; and nieces, Debbie Cebula, Kathy, Kelli, Sarah Conigliaro, Sarah Semelsberger, Sheila Corbin, Michelle Prout, Susan, Rene, Julie & Janine.
Rita was dearly loved by all her sister-in-laws, Anne, Joanie, MaryAnn, Margaret, Debi, Maureen, Rose, Shirley and Lorraine.
Rest in Peace dear Rita.
A visitation for Rita will be held Monday, September 25, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081. A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. (Instate 9:30 a.m.) at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 22412 Overlake, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.
