"I can't believe the words I hear
It's like an answer to a prayer
When I look around I see
This place, this time, this friend of mine..."
Rita exemplified all that a friend is and should aspire to become. Her absence will leave a space ...this place. 

Teri Kai Holtzclaw

When my life seemed to be falling apart upon my grandmother death, Rita was there to take care of me. She welcomed me into her home and was able to make my childhood last a little longer. I am forever grateful for the home she provided and the love she shared. Rita was a wonderful, generous, kind, sweet woman who will always have a place in my heart. We recently spoke online after many years of being out of touch and it was great to hear her kind words once again. She will be missed and always held in high regard in my heart. Love Always,

You came into my life when I was twelve years old now at age forty five I realize you've been part of most of my life and although we didn't have much contact in the last few years, the love and generosity that came from your soul will live on inside me forever. Rita there are so many things I want to tell you. I know now that you have heard me say them, I know you can hear me. Thank you for being such a wonderful strong positive influence in my life. I love you and will miss you dearly till we meet again. To Katie and Kevin I pray that your pain is eased in the knowledge that your Mom is happy now and In the loving arms of the source of all that is good and that you can get through this difficult time by drawing from the strength of what she taught you. She was a strong woman with a beautiful heart. God bless you Rita. God bless you Kevin and Katie I love you both so much. Uncle Brad

Rita, was the closest person I ever knew to a stepmother growing up. She was such a wonderful and loving woman who suffered from many physical ailments. I am so angry that she is no longer here because all she ever deserved was to live a long HAPPY life. But alas, I cannot be so selfish, for she is finally at peace. I wish I could have said goodbye. I will fondly remember our special moments together and the loving conversations that we shared. She was in my dream last night. Rita was with my grandmother Eileen. At times she called me her sister... Rest easy, sister. I love you and will miss you. 

To Katie and Kevin- my pseudo step siblings. My heart is broken and I wish I could have been there for you both. Sending you both my love from Boston... stay strong.

A Mother is God's way of being present not only in Spirit but also in flesh.
She will mend wounds and dissolve pain when we think its unbearable.
She is able to divide Her love equally and supremely to each of Her children and still love them more and more each day.
A Mother's embrace and kiss on the face will linger long after She lets you go.
Her hopes and dreams for you are endless and yet She is never disappointed in you, no matter what you do in life. 
She will never judge or abandon Her children and will always be the first to cushion the fall.
A Mother is the reason we can love and laugh and live a meaningful life.
She is the reason we are the strong individuals that we are today.
Mother is God in the eyes of Her children.
So when we can no longer see or touch or smell Her, we feel all is lost.
But Her infinite love surrounds us, long after She leaves the flesh.
She is present with every smile, every laugh, every tear and every memory.
She will protect and guide Her children all the days of their lives.
A Mother never dies because Her memory lives on.
And Her children are the proof of Her superior love.

Rita Marema is Mother to Her children and loved absolutely by all.
The memory of Her gentle nature and generous heart will be spoken of indefinitely.
I consider myself blessed to have known and love Her and my prayers are with Katie and Kevin and their family and Rita's loved ones.

Although it was only once, I feel so blessed to have met Rita and been invited into the lives of this entire family. She immediately welcomed me into her home, showed me all of Katie's baby pictures and told me stories that I'll never forget. Sometimes it's not the number of minutes that you spend with a person that matters but the feeling you get when you see them smile or feel their warmth as you hug them. As I sat in the second row this past Sunday, I remembered that afternoon in February....so thankful for that day and the beautiful family sitting in front of me that she helped create. I love you all <3

The loss of a parent is an extremely hard and complex thing to deal with. I love you Katie and Kevin and I am so very sorry Aunt Rita was taken before her time. She was always wonderful to me; a great Aunt. Love you dearly, Aunt Rita.
-Gina

So many words of praise for this woman who was so influential in my life. My heart goes out to Katie and Kevin and I wish I could be there for my cousins. All my love, Matthew

OBITUARY

Rita Marie Marema

January 5, 1952 – April 24, 2013

Kraeer Funeral Home & Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens

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