Rita Catherine Spelatz

Rita Catherine Slavin Spelatz was born on September 24, 1950 in Los Angeles, California, at Queen of the Angels Hospital, the youngest of 4 children. On October 30th, she was reunited in Christ with her parents - Charles Edward & Catherine Ann (Rath) Slavin; her brother, Charles Slavin; her sister, Barbara Jean (Slavin) Marchetta ; her brother-in-law, Vincent Anthony Marchetta; and her nieces, Catherine Ann Marchetta and Patricia Lynn(Powers) Adair.

Rita is survived by her sister, Patricia (Slavin) Powers, her brother-in-law, James Powers; her step-children: Joy Yamamoto and Jeff Spelatz; her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and their children; as well as her cats – Fiona and Jessie; and all her dear friends.

Rita was baptized in 1951, at St. Augustine Catholic Church inCulver City; and attended St. John Chrysostom Elementary School in Inglewood. During that time, when Rita was just 9-years old, they lost their mother Catherine. Her sisters, Pat & Barbara, helped to raise Rita and did their best to give her and their dad the love and support needed during such a difficult time.

Rita received the sacrament of confirmation on December 10, 1963. She went on to graduate high school from St Mary’s Academy in Inglewood in June of 1968. Within a few months of graduation, Rita had earned her cosmetology license. She worked in the beauty industry for many years, in particular at Beach Beauty Supply.

In June of 1970, Rita married Michael Spelatz in Las Vegas. Although they divorced ten years later, Rita adored Mike’s children, Jeff and Joy, and continued to have relationship with them throughout the years.

In 1999, she switched careers when she was employed as Office Manager for the Dean of the School of Social Ecology at the University of California , Irvine. She worked there until 2013. She retired from UCI in July 2013 in order to move to Washington State. Facing some difficult circumstances there, Rita courageously carried on. It was during this time that Rita returned to her faith in the Lord Jesus at her church in Woodinville, WA. She came back to Southern California later that same year.

Rita then moved into Heritage Place @ Tustin apartment in January 2014; where she resided until her passing. She developed ten years of friendships & family connections with her apartment complex neighbors. Rita enjoyed her time organizing holiday & special events at their community center; making special meals & baked goods regularly for neighbors; driving her friends to appointments or shopping ; hosting game nights & dinners; or making beautiful floral arrangements to bless those she cared about. She purchased & gathered gifts all year long to generously give out to her friends at their game nights or dinners.

As well, for the last several years...For almost every family holiday, Rita made beautiful flower gifts for each family...and had her wagon full of gifts to give out to all of them, too.

She continued to grow in her faith & enjoyed the fellowship of her friends at St Cecilia’s, participating in service there at the parish. She loved to attend the Annual Priest’s basketball game fundraiser.

Rita courageously battled cancer for the last 8 years. She chose to live her life to the fullest and found great joy in blessing others with her event planning, helping, cooking, baking, flower & gift giving.

While she will be dearly missed by all her friends & her family – we rejoice in her faith that assures us she is at peace with the Lord... no more tears or sorrow or pain.

Please join us as we honor & remember Rita with love & gratitude!