Rita Marie Spudowski

Rita Marie Spudowski, age 57 of Warren, died Sunday, January 21, 2018 at Beaumont Hospital in Troy, Michigan. She was born January 29, 1960 in Detroit, daughter of Frank Anthony and the late Anna Elizabeth (nee: Heigel) Liburdi.A wonderful and adoring mother of four, Rita possessed a heart that couldn't help but to pour out its care and compassion to children from all over, especially those little cherubs she took under her wings each day as a day care provider. More than merely caring for them, Rita instilled the best parts of herself into raising them up as if they were her own,…if only for a few hours each day. And just like those entrusted to her care each day, her own little angels came to know a woman who was as strong as she was malleable,…funny as she was solemn,…and an incredible example to live by. As her children and grandchildren grew in stature and enjoyed the camaraderie that accompanied their various sporting events over the years, they had no greater cheerleader in the bleachers or on the sidelines than Rita,…their strongest and most devout fan and banner waver, for sure.Another of her favorite things to do was sharing the fun and "getting back to nature" experiences that always seemed to accompany the family camping outings. There was a special joy and release that came with exchanging the comforts of home for waking up in a sleeping bag,…sitting by a campfire and roasting marshmallows,…and sharing it all amidst perfect strangers, but fellow campers that felt like friends you'd known for years. (You have to be a camper to know that special bond.) It came easy for Rita as her personality just naturally drew people to her, as all in the family experienced during those precious "Sunday Family Fun Days." Making memories with her children and grandchildren meant the world to Rita and she wasn't going to let anything slip through the cracks when it came to those most treasured in her life.To those who truly knew this amazing woman, the tag "Life of the Party" will come as no surprise as that is exactly what she was so many times. Whether she was dancing around the house (at times, in her own unique way) or singing a happy tune (on occasion, a little ditty she just made up in the moment), there was never a question that Rita loved to put the verve into living and a smile on each face that she was able. The happiest sound in Rita's life was laughter, and it was something she sought after around every corner in life. She knew the old adage was true that says; "laughter is the best medicine"…so she doled it out as often as possible. Family occasions were always the prime opportunities, and the most memorable ones of the bunch came during the celebrations of birthdays and holidays. Truly meaningful and memorable by their nature, birthdays and holidays provided Rita a venue to shine like the sun and make a "happy splash" in the hearts and lives most endearing to her. Then there was the woman who could appreciate the sound of silence and the quietness that accompanies solitude, those special moments when she enjoyed feeding another favorite pastime, her love of reading. There is something uniquely pleasurable about curling up with a good book and losing yourself in its pages, and Rita sought that pleasure as often as she could,…and most often amidst the genre of "True Crimes" and the like. But of all that Rita found most satisfying, little could match the joy and pleasure of taking care of others,…it was simply inherent to who she was, especially with family and friends. She was always reaching out to her neighbors, and the real sense of her love and compassion was seen in how she treated strangers. As another old adage states, Rita "never knew a stranger." The moment you were ushered into her presence, you were friends immediately. No put-ons, no pretenses,…just simply friendship. It was a gift,…a blessing,…and it came so easy for this wonderful lady whose gifted heart will be sorely missed. A loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, Rita leaves us far too soon, but not without imparting the best of herself into the hearts and souls of all with whom she shared this human experience. She made life so much sweeter by her example, so much richer by her touch, and so much more enhanced by the depth of her love. Her battles here are ended,…she now rests safe in the arms of God. May we who remain embrace each reflection shared of how Rita made a difference in our lives. Rita was the beloved wife of Robert, and dearest mother of Eric (Michele) Gorski, Rachael Lanni, Marissa Spudowski, and Jessica Spudowski. She was the loving grandmother of Anthony & Ava Lanni, and Ella Gorski. Sister of Daniel (Shawn) Liburdi, John (Lisa) Liburdi, Tony (Pam) Liburdi, Maryann (Michael) Brani, and Steve (Donna) Liburdi. Rita is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation for Rita will be held Friday, January 26th from 3-9 pm, with a 7:00 pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Rita will lie in state on Saturday from 10:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Malachy Catholic Church, 14115 Fourteen Mile Road in Sterling Heights. Memorial donations are welcomed to the family, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Please share memories of Rita at her memory book above.