Tributes

Rita Isabella Redmond (Sarnocinski) passed away peacefully on Monday February 7th, 2022, at the age of 98. Her exemplary life and selfless acts of love will be forever remembered and celebrated by her six children: Diane (Edward) Valliere, Barbara (Thomas) Kent, Deborah Redmond, Raymond (Terry) Redmond, Laureen (Robert) Sipka and Karen Visser, her sixteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren (with three more on the way). Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Ray, her parents Anna and Ignatius Sarnocinski and her siblings Laura Grundy, Jean Szymanski and Richard Sarnocinski. Rita Isabella Redmond began her amazing life on May 18, 1923. She was born in Detroit, to hard working Polish immigrant parents. They fostered her strong work ethic, a sense of responsibility to home and family and her drive to do her best. After high school she became a certified cosmetologist and managed a successful salon. She always had a sense of style! She met her future husband, the recently discharged WWII Airman, Raymond Joseph Redmond, when they were in the bridal party of a mutual friend. They were drawn to each other immediately and even shared the same birth date, May 18th. Rita and Ray began their married life together on May 29, 1947. Ray’s career brought the family to Grand Rapids in 1962. Rita dedicated her seemingly boundless energy to her husband, home and her six children. The house was always spotless, three beautiful meals a day always appeared on the table and the yard was groomed meticulously, as were her children when they left for school and mass on Sunday. As the family grew and grandchildren arrived, she was the # 1 babysitter. Her cookie jar was always full, no wonder the great grandchildren call her “Grandma Cookie”. Throughout her life Rita was dedicated to her faith and family and took great pride in her Polish heritage. Two of her passions were music and dancing………...especially Lawrence Welk or a good polka band. When Ray and Rita went out on the dance floor, they were elegant and graceful…...and Rita was leading! Rita was a true Matriarch and a positive influence on all who knew her. Our large and loving family is her legacy. As she would say; “Moja Droga Rodzina” (My Dear Family). God Bless you Rita ……Well Done! A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday March 5, 2022, 11:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 2510 Richmond St NW Grand Rapids MI 49504. Rita’s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday March 4, 2022, at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday at church one hour prior to the Mass. Internment Holy Cross Cemetery. Rita’s family would like to thank Spectrum Hospice, the Advisacare Aides, and the staff at Lincoln Square for the care they gave to our mother and the help they were to us. God Bless you for your kindness. Memorial contributions to St. Anthony of Padua Educational Foundation and Spectrum Hospice will be appreciated.

Tributes

Rita Isabella Redmond (Sarnocinski)

May 18, 1923 - February 7, 2022