Rita O. Guzenski

Rita O. Guzenski, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away on August 27, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on December 16, 1941, in New Haven, Connecticut, to the late Anthony and Fammetta Gardella. Rita was a woman whose warmth, generosity, and love touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the memories she created with her family and friends will live on forever.

Rita graduated from North Haven High School in 1959 and attended Quinnipiac College. She later worked as a switchboard operator and receptionist for Aetna, Lake Shore Management and Sales, Ecclestone Signature Homes, Illustrated Properties, and Wackenhut Security.

In 1961, Rita met the love of her life, Paul, when they were both vacationing at Lake George, New York. She was immediately attracted to his 1954 Austin-Healey, and Paul famously told Rita that day that he was going to marry her. He kept his promise. Rita and Paul were married on October 19, 1963, and were looking forward to celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary this October.

Paul and Rita built a beautiful life filled with love, family, laugher, travel and countless memories. They were blessed with two children, Paul Anthony and Elizabeth (Liz) Irene. Rita was a devoted mother who loved her children deeply, but it was her grandchildren whom she absolutely adored. She was incredibly proud of her granddaughter, Brittany, and her grandson, Stephen, and treasured every moment she spent with them.

Rita was most at home in her kitchen, where she could be found cooking every single day for her family. Feeding the people she loved was one of the ways she expressed her love, and her meals brought everyone together around the table. Her family will forever remember not only the food she prepared, but the love that went into every dish.

Rita and Paul shared a wonderful sense of adventure. Over the years, they enjoyed 33 cruises together, creating treasured memories in countries around the world. They loved to dance, and many Sundays found them enjoying music and dancing at the Polish Club. They were longtime members of numerous car clubs, where they enjoyed their shared passion for beautiful automobiles, especially their Austin-Healey and Corvette.

Rita also knew how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. She loved shopping, the casino, visits to the hair and nail salon, and getting ready for Saturday date nights with her husband and very special friends. Her favorite and trusted lunch partner was Judy Van Voorhees. These traditions, big and small, were part of the life she and Paul built together and will remain precious memories for those who knew her.

Rita was especially excited about her new puppy, Hazel. Although she will not be here to watch Hazel grow, her family finds comfort in knowing that Hazel will be there to keep Paul company and take care of him in the years ahead.

Rita is survived by her devoted husband Paul, her son Paul A. Guzenski (Chip Van Voorhees), her daughter Liz Woody (Ben Woody), her granddaughter, Dr. Brittany M. Woody, her grandson, Stephen J. Woody, her sister Linda A. Gardella and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Rita lived a life filled with love, and she was deeply loved in return. She will be forever cherished and never forgotten.

Visitation will be held at Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458, on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 3:00 – 7:00 pm. A Funeral Service will take place at Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, 9999 N Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10:00 am with a committal service immediately following at Riverside Memorial Park, 19351 SE County Line Rd, Tequesta, FL 33469.

Donations can be made to the American Lung Association.