In Memory Of
Rita Mae Erlenback
1937
2018
Rita Mae Erlenback
June 21, 1937 — October 25, 2018
The heavens are shining brighter with the passing of our cherished Rita, of LaFayette, NY.
She was the daughter of the Gertrude and James Gilbert.
Rita began her career as a stenographer, working through the ranks to become Vice President of Solvay Bank, Milton Ave. A little lady with a colossal heart, she held this esteemed title for 25 years. Throughout her career, Rita was known as being genuinely kindhearted by all. She was eager to help her homebound customers by running errands, providing meals, driving them to appointments, and simply revealing her innate compassion. Rita's love for her family was infinite . She adored laughing and reminiscing with them while sitting in the barn or the family bar with her favorite Tanqueray and tonic for family "cocktail hour", while singing and dancing to the oldies. She had a love for cooking, making the most delectable spaghetti and meatballs west of the Atlantic. She was a voracious reader, an astute card player and gambler, and relished trips with family and best friends Sally Poppe and Alison Dorchester. Caring for family and those in need gave Rita immense joy. She was a devoted Catholic and loved to sing in church as a lifetime member of Our Lady of Lourdes. Rita taught all who knew her about patience, grace, and unconditional love. She was tiny in stature, but tough as nails, never complaining throughout her many illnesses. We miss her tremendously; her beauty, both inside and out, her sparkling eyes, her quick, loving smile and her wit and laughter. She had a way of making one feel as if they were the most important person in the world. We are truly blessed for having the love of this amazing woman, a true angel on Earth. Rita leaves behind her beloved husband John, her devoted son Tim and his wife Wendy, doting granddaughters Kimberly and Jennifer, cherished brothers Larry (Artie) Gilbert and Jimmy (Marolyn) Gilbert of Camillus, Rita's "other son" Bill (Lori) Erlenback of Memphis, several niece and nephews, chubby dog Rolo and grand-dogs Abbie, Annie, Buddy and Kora.
The family wishes to thank Drs. Digant Nanavati, Louis Wasserman, and Norman Jaffe for their wonderful care of Rita.
A private memorial service will be held.
Contributions may be made to Our Lady of Hope Church or the Alzheimer's Association.
To share a memory of Rita or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.
She was the daughter of the Gertrude and James Gilbert.
Rita began her career as a stenographer, working through the ranks to become Vice President of Solvay Bank, Milton Ave. A little lady with a colossal heart, she held this esteemed title for 25 years. Throughout her career, Rita was known as being genuinely kindhearted by all. She was eager to help her homebound customers by running errands, providing meals, driving them to appointments, and simply revealing her innate compassion. Rita's love for her family was infinite . She adored laughing and reminiscing with them while sitting in the barn or the family bar with her favorite Tanqueray and tonic for family "cocktail hour", while singing and dancing to the oldies. She had a love for cooking, making the most delectable spaghetti and meatballs west of the Atlantic. She was a voracious reader, an astute card player and gambler, and relished trips with family and best friends Sally Poppe and Alison Dorchester. Caring for family and those in need gave Rita immense joy. She was a devoted Catholic and loved to sing in church as a lifetime member of Our Lady of Lourdes. Rita taught all who knew her about patience, grace, and unconditional love. She was tiny in stature, but tough as nails, never complaining throughout her many illnesses. We miss her tremendously; her beauty, both inside and out, her sparkling eyes, her quick, loving smile and her wit and laughter. She had a way of making one feel as if they were the most important person in the world. We are truly blessed for having the love of this amazing woman, a true angel on Earth. Rita leaves behind her beloved husband John, her devoted son Tim and his wife Wendy, doting granddaughters Kimberly and Jennifer, cherished brothers Larry (Artie) Gilbert and Jimmy (Marolyn) Gilbert of Camillus, Rita's "other son" Bill (Lori) Erlenback of Memphis, several niece and nephews, chubby dog Rolo and grand-dogs Abbie, Annie, Buddy and Kora.
The family wishes to thank Drs. Digant Nanavati, Louis Wasserman, and Norman Jaffe for their wonderful care of Rita.
A private memorial service will be held.
Contributions may be made to Our Lady of Hope Church or the Alzheimer's Association.
To share a memory of Rita or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rita Mae Erlenback, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors