Rita Elizabeth Hakel

RITA E. HAKEL, 74, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 23rd 2020. Rita was born in Fort Wayne to Paul A and Helena (Vebert) Lucas and attended Central Catholic High School. She was a loving wife for 25 years as well as a caring and nurturing mother to two sons, three grandchildren, and seven grand puppies. Rita worked for a number of years as a bookkeeper for local small businesses. Her faith life provided her strength through the years being an active member at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph Catholic Church on Brooklyn Ave. Although her life was marked by numerous health challenges her family was the source of her true joy throughout her years. Marrying her husband and having children were her most prized treasures. Her daughters-in-law she often described as the daughters she never had. She loved stopping everything to talk to or spend time with a niece or nephew. Rita enjoyed visits to Lake Michigan as well as the beauty of lighthouses and the American Southwest. She is survived by her sons Anthony (Bethany) and Stephen (Rachel) Hakel both of Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren Austin, Andrew, and Serenity Hakel; siblings Robert (Suzanne) Lucas of Fort Wayne, IN and Kenneth (Melana) Lucas of Alexandria, IN and Therese (Jerry) Tindell of Kalamazoo, MI and sister-in-law Pat Lucas of Fort Wayne, IN. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Hakel; parents, Paul A and Helena (Vebert) Lucas; and sibling, Paul J Lucas. The family will host a virtual remembrance event due to the unique circumstances of our time on Saturday, January 2nd, at 2pm. For additional information please contact Anthony or Stephen. A celebration of life event will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to the Parkview Foundation, Designation; Hospice Fund, https://www.parkview.com/foundations/you-can-help/make-a-gift/give-to-fort-wayne