Rita Frances Zilius

Surrounded by her family, Rita, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend went home to be with the Lord on June 2, 2018 at the age of 78.  Rita was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 26, 1940, to Joe and Helen Fitzpatrick.  She graduated from Saint Xavier University with a teaching degree and continued her education at Azuza Pacific where she earned her Master’s in Elementary Education.  She had a passion for teaching and taught in the Illinois school districts, as well as Precious Blood School and Hoffer Elementary in Banning, CA.   She married the love of her life, Vincent Zilius on August 13, 1966.  Vince and Rita raised two daughters in Downers Grove, IL and Redlands, CA.  She and Vince were a host family, through AFS, to exchange students: Pao Leng, Christine, and Vito.  She loved travel and took the opportunity to visit many countries around the world.  She had a life-long interest in Girl Scouts, spending time with friends as a camp counselor and later as a troop leader.  A member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Rita was actively involved in Bible Study.  She also was a member of Alpha Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and a participant in the local teacher’s book club.  Rita volunteered with Vince at the local Salvation Army homeless shelter and delivered meals through Meals on Wheels.  She also supported Vince through his activities in the Knights of the Round Table.
She is survived by her husband, Vince, daughters Pamela Wrenn and Laurann Sage (Tony), grandchildren Madeleine, Gabriella and Anthony Sage and Max Wrenn, brother Joseph Fitzpatrick (Carol), nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Ann Marie.
Rita had a joyful heart and a loving personality.  Her many friends and family will always miss her but picture her dancing the Irish Jig with the saints!
Visitation Tuesday, June 19, from 5-7pm, rosary at 7pm at Emmerson-Bartlett, 703 Brookside Ave, Redlands.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, June 20 at 9am at Holy Name of Jesus, 110 W. Olive Ave., Redlands.  Donations may be made to the PKD Foundation.