Rita Ann Totoraitis

Rita Ann Totoraitis, better known on the West Side as “Miss T,” passed away on May 20, 2024. Rita was born in Grand Rapids on November 13, 1951 to Peter and Agnes (Jurgel) Totoraitis, part of a loving Lithuanian extended family. She attended SS. Peter & Paul School and West Catholic High School. She made many lifelong friendships with her WC Class of 1969 classmates. Rita earned degrees from Western Michigan University and Michigan State University. After working in the Federal Building downtown for a few years, Rita began her career in education. Miss T taught typing and business courses at West Catholic from 1979 to 2011. In addition to teaching, Miss T coached the cheerleading squad, kept the score book for the boys and girls basketball teams, and volunteered in numerous capacities at all school events. When a permanent ticket booth was constructed at the West Catholic Falcon Stadium, the building was named the “Miss T House” in honor of her countless hours of service. In 2022, Rita was presented with the “Alumni Excellence Award” at the annual Falcon Awards Night. Rita was proud of her family and kept in close touch with her cousins and their children and grandchildren. She sent cards and presents for all occasions. She had an equally strong connection to her West Catholic “family.” From her time as a student through her teaching career, she developed close bonds with the members of the West Catholic community. She remembered what year the students graduated, who they married, and the names of their children. She was the “Basketball Mom,” with special gifts and treats for hundreds of players over the years. She traveled throughout the state to cheer on “her boys” on the football field. She had a love for her cats, Notre Dame, West Catholic basketball and football, lunches with her friends, and after-game pizza on Friday nights. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her infant sister Arlene, and her Auntie Frances. She is survived by her “cousins by the dozens” and their families, her many friends, neighbors, co-workers, and West Catholic family. Thank you to all of Rita’s many friends who visited her through her final days. Also, thank you to the Sisters and staff of St. Ann’s Home and Emmanuel Hospice. Rita was an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 1 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 am until the funeral Mass. Interment will be in SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to West Catholic High School.

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Rita Ann Totoraitis

November 13, 1951 - May 20, 2024