She was born December 9, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota the daughter of Joseph “Earl” and Marcella (Cornia) McGuire and was the second eldest of 11 siblings. As a young independent determined and feisty Irish lass, she ventured out on her own and moved to Flint, Michigan. She soon became the owner-operator of Rogers Studio, a successful portrait studio, in downtown Flint for over 30 years. Somehow, she was able to balance her time enough to raise eight adoring children. She always put the needs of others above her own. Ever the eternal, generous and selfless caregiver she found it her duty to lovingly nurse and care for any and all family members and/or friends in their times of need and till their deaths. As her grandson Jeff says, “She is absolutely a Saint, with an occasional bad word coming out of her mouth”.
She adored her entire family, as they did her. She loved her friends as if they were family. Rita lived her life by the words in The Prayer to St. Francis. As a devout Catholic, she was a member of her beloved St. Michael Catholic Church for over 70 years and longtime member of The Daughters of Isabella. Her rosary was a constant companion to the end.
Rita had lived in the Hurley East Village area since she was married with no intentions of leaving. In the late 70s as the neighborhood was on the decline and despite many obstacles and challenges, she and a handful of other homeowners took matters into their own hands. Eventually with the help of Hurley East Inc. (of which she was a board member), and NIPP (Neighborhood Improvement Preservation Project) she purchased seven abandoned and/or trashed homes in her immediate area. The homes were completely remodeled and provided to low-income families for a clean, safe, and comfortable living. With the help of her son, Michael, efforts continue towards the betterment of their neighborhood. In her free time, she enjoyed frequent trips to the casinos playing the daily lottery, family card games, bingo, playing the stock market and horseracing. The Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions would be hard-pressed to find a bigger fan.
Rita was married to the love of her life, Joseph D. Tobias Jr. for 42 years until his passing in 1989. She is survived by her children: Michael Tobias, Marjie (Jim) McGinnis, Maxine Ulmer, Mathew (Lisa) Tobias, Merit Grantham, Mark (Lily) Tobias and Mary Tobias. Proud Grandmother to Jeffrey Wittbrodt, Jennifer Ulmer-Jones, Mathew Tobias, Morgan Tobias-Coe, Mason Tobias, Tobi Grantham, Jodi Grantham-George, Malori Grantham and Rose Tobias; Great-Grandmother to eleven (11). She is also survived by brother, Paul McGuire; sisters: Pat (Mercogliano) Finch, Nan Wineman, and Michele Edwards; numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly; and special friend, Vicki Miller.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joseph, son Marshall, grandson Joseph ”JT” Tobias; brothers: Joseph McGuire and John McGuire; sisters: Delores Klug, Maxine Powley, Mary Ann Monaco, and Maureen Ring.
“Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened”. We know her Irish eyes are smiling as she is welcomed into heaven joining all her loved ones and in the arms of the Lord. We were truly blessed and proud to have called her Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt and Friend.
The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to Audra and Melissa of Kindred Hospice for their care, compassion and dedication given to their Mom in her final days.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. John Vianney Catholic School, 2319 Bagley St., Flint, MI, or St. Luke’s N.E.W. Life Center, 3115 Lawndale Ave., Flint, MI 48504.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2415 Bagley St., Flint, Michigan. The Rosary will be prayed at 9:30am with visitation following until time of Mass. Officiated by Fr. Tom Firestone (A live-streamed of the Mass may be viewed www.youtube.com/channel/UCwn9OoWoeJZ9C3eZ8l8Y0dg). Interment following at Old Calvary Cemetery, Flint, Michigan.
In accordance with state and local mandates, please wear a facial covering while at church, maintain social distancing, and obey guest attendance guidelines.
Fond memories and condolences may be offered to the family via the online guest book at www.BrownFH.com
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