Rita Diane Cornaggia, age 73, of Chowchilla, California passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021. A devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend, Rita was born July 15, 1947 in Helena, Montana to James and Martha Williams.
She was born and raised in Helena, MT graduating Helena High school in 1965. Rita attended Montana State briefly before moving to California. She married Pete Cornaggia, Jr. in 1969 and has since been a resident of Chowchilla.
Rita worked for the city of Chowchilla as an Administrative Secretary from 1978 to 1981, then moved on to work for PG&E for 30 years retiring in 2012.
She was a charter member of the Chowchilla Lioness/Lions club where she held every office. She had 40 years of perfect attendance and she was named Lioness of the year multiple times. Rita was also a sitting board member of the Chowchilla Spring Festival. She joined the board in 1989 and was in charge of the Queen candidates and the Coronation. She was also a member of Branch 18 of the Early Days Gas Engine & Tractor Association with her husband and family.
Rita is survived by sons Peter Cornaggia (Dana), Gary Cornaggia (Julie), daughter Stacey Cornaggia Miller; grandchildren Cristen Cornaggia, Kyle Cornaggia, Morgan Miller, Riley Alves, as well as four nieces and nephews in Helena, Montana, and cousins in Sweden and Canada.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband Peter Joseph Cornaggia, Jr., parents James and Martha Williams, sister Sylvia Madden, and her brother Eugene.
A viewing will be held at Palm Memorial Worden Chapel on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 3pm to 7pm. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 11am at Chowchilla Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Please make donations to the Chowchilla Lioness/ Lions club, P.O. Box 313, Chowchilla, California 93610, so that Rita's love of community will continue.
