Born on July 1, 1940 in Tulsa to Carolyn Brooks and Jack Zoblotsky, Rita was raised in Seminole, Oklahoma and was a loving daughter and a mischievous big sister to her brother, Bobby. Rita’s family moved to Norman, OK her junior year of high school where ‘Crimson and Cream Fever’ led her to the University of Oklahoma. She graduated with a degree in fashion merchandising and a love of style and joie de vivre spawned a decades-long career assisting many adored clients and lifelong friends seeking ‘Retail Therapy’.
Marrying not long after graduation, Rita moved to New Orleans where she and then husband, Jerry were blessed with a son, David. When work was done in the Big Easy, Rita returned to Oklahoma and made OKC her forever home as she welcomed daughter, Stacy. She loved her family and many friends here and considered this the best place on earth to be. As a gifted cheerleader and drum majorette in her school days, she was passionate about sports. Sooner football, the Dallas Cowboys, and her beloved OKC Thunder broadcasts were never missed - she was a true FAN-atic! Most of all, Rita loved her role as Mimi to her three grandchildren and cherished each and every special occasion and opportunity to celebrate their many milestones and accomplishments.
Rita suffered a debilitating accident over a decade ago which certainly would have caused a lesser willed human to give up on life. Her fighting spirit and iron determination allowed her to remain independent and live on her own terms until it was time to leave us. She was a woman of great faith and a member of the Temple B’nai Israel for over 50 years. The incredible support both she and we have received from the Jewish community has inspired us all to be better and to do better.
She is survived by her son, David (Jamie) Fitzgerald, daughter Stacy (Steve) Murry, granddaughters Ryan and Alex Murry, grandson Jackson Fitzgerald, brother Robert (Marilyn) Zoblotsky, her children’s father, Jerry (Terri) Fitzgerald and a host of loving cousins and nieces, their families, and so many friends, all of whom she adored. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Carolyn and father, Jack.
The family wishes to thank friends and family members that have supported and lifted her up through the years. We send love and gratitude to Pat Murry, Janet Price, Carol Reznick, Meldean and her living angel, Micheyla to whom we are indebted for making her life and ours much richer. Thank you to Mercy hospital and Mercy hospice for the exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers, an expression of sympathy can be made In Honor of Rita Fitzgerald to The Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, 710 Wilshire Creek Blvd, Suite 103, Oklahoma City 73116 or online at www.jfedokc.org/supporting-the-jewish-federation.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020 at 10:30 am at Temple B’nai Israel Cemetery, 13343 N. Kelley Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73131 and details to participate virtually can be found at www.hahncookfuneral.com
