Rita Joan Yanoshik

Rita Joan Yanoshik, 98, peacefully passed away on January 8, 2024 at her home in Annandale, Virginia with family by her side. Rita was the loving mother of Paul (Paula), Kim (Feagin Wing), Ann (Dan Wutrich), 6 grandchildren (Emma, Adrian, Evan, Mara, Nina, and Adam), and 4 great-grandchildren (Mila, Walter, Boden, and Kai). Rita was preceded in death by husband of 59 years, Francis Yanoshik. Rita is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Rita was born May 1, 1925, the first child of the late George and Mary (Kostelnik) Kravitz in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her brother George and sister Rose Lopo. Rita grew up in the small village of Harwood Mines, outside of Hazelton, Pennsylvania. Rita graduated from Hazleton Township High School in 1943. Soon after graduation Rita began work at Geissler Mills eventually becoming the executive assistant to the president and owner. At a dance on New Year's eve of 1950 she met Francis (Shan) Yanoshik of Lofty, a dashing young Navy officer who was home on leave. It was a case of love at first sight. Immediately after the dance, Shan invited Rita to visit him in Rhode Island where he was stationed. A few months later the couple married at St. Michael's Chapel in Harwood in March of 1951. Rita left her job at the mill and joined Shan in Rhode Island. Shan was a Navy aviator, during the early years of his career he was often stationed on various aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean and the Pacific. In the fall of 1952, Rita was staying with her family while Shan was out at sea when Paul, their first child was born. After that tour of duty, Rita embraced her role as a "Navy Wife"; she and their growing family lived in a number of states and the US territory of Guam. In 1966, Shan was stationed in Washington DC, the family purchased a home and put down roots in a new development in Fairfax County. Shan retired from the Navy in the early 1970s.

For most of her life Rita was active in various charities. Rita was a gracious and gregarious individual and loved hosting all sorts of neighborhood get-togethers. Rita was a talented seamstress, she made most of the clothes for herself and her daughters. She was renowned for her culinary skills and adventurousness in cooking different types of world cuisine long before eating various ethnic foods became popular. Rita was an avid golfer, she took up the game while she was in her 30s and golfed regularly until she was in her early 80s. She was mightily proud of getting a hole in one at the age of 69. She enjoyed teasing Shan that he never achieved the distinction of getting a hole in one. Rita loved children, wherever they lived neighborhood kids often visited for they could always count on a yummy treat or just to receive some positive words and encouragement. At their home in Virginia, Rita and Shan were christened "Bird Lady" and "Bird Man" by the neighborhood kids. Rita also enjoyed keeping her mind active, she loved playing cards, particularly bridge,and in her later years working on jigsaw puzzles.

Healthy and active all her life, only at 95 did she slow down, when a fall in the early days of the pandemic took away her independence and ability to live alone. She was lovingly cared for by her children and was able to remain in the home and neighborhood which she loved until she took her last breath. The family thanks IncrediCare, particularly Backie Cook for the supplementary care they provided Rita in the last year and a half of her life.

A celebration of Rita's life and a funeral mass will be held in early May of this year; Rita will be interred alongside her beloved husband Francis at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Family and friends of Rita's can contact any of Rita's kids in mid April for details.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rita's memory may be made to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545