Rita Eileen Rinke, 82, formerly of Massena

MASSENA -- Rita Eileen Rinke, 82, a resident of The Woodlands, Texas and former longtime resident of Massena, New York, passed away on Friday, June 28, with family by her side.

Rita was born on July 30, 1941, in the Bronx, New York, to Margaret and Joseph Rinke.

She married (later ending in divorce), and moved to Massena, where she always called home.

Rita spent most of her career working as an administrative assistant for St. Lawrence County, later becoming the administrative assistant for the principal at A.A. Kingston Middle School, in Potsdam, the role from which she retired in 2006.

She is a graduate of Mater Dei College.

Rita is survived by her beloved dog, Katie, a brother John and Mary Rinke of Rockwood, Tennessee; a sister-in law, Jeanne Rinke of Lakewood, NJ, daughter, Terri and Anthony Malatesta, of The Woodlands, Texas, and a son, John and Reina Rydzewski of Portland, Oregon; four granddaughters, Katherine and Allison Malatesta, Samantha and Daniella Rydzewski along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her mother, father, and brother Joseph Rinke.

Rita was passionate about animal welfare.

When not traveling to visit family and friends, or gardening in her yard, she spent much of her retirement ensuring the cats and dogs in northern St. Lawrence County received proper treatment.

Following her wishes, there will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s memory may be made to the Massena Humane Society at PO Box 145, Massena, NY 13662.