J. Rita Peplowski

J. Rita Peplowski (Holstein) passed away July 6, 2022, at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. She was born October 19, 1928, the daughter of Clarence and Helen Holstein. Rita was predeceased by her former husband Sigmund F. Peplowski, Sr. and is survived by her five children, Sigmund Peplowski Jr., Michael Peplowski (Mary), Wayne Peplowski (Lori), Joyce Carter, and Gail Knapp; six dearly loved grandchildren Katie Ritz, Matthew Peplowski, Jessica (Matt) Sublett, Michael (Kristi) Peplowski, Lea Peplowski (Brian Chapple), and Jonathan Peplowski, as well as four great grandchildren Kaitlyn Peplowski, Ella Ritz, Scarlett Ritz, and Cameron Peplowski. Rita is further survived by her two sisters Jane and Judy Holstein; and many nieces and nephews. Rita is also survived by special friend Fabian Sobolewski.

Rita loved all of her family and over the years spent many hours and days caring for her grandchildren and great grandchild Kaitlyn. She supported her whole family with love and encouragement and tried in any way she could to make life easier for them all. Rita loved to keep up with and view updates of her out-of-state grandchildren on Facebook. She was a great listener to all that knew her and tried to instill kindness in everyone.

Rita worked for the City of Rensselaer as their purchasing agent for over 42 years. While holding a full time job, she still managed to run a household and drive her children around to their many activities. Even in retirement, she volunteered her services at the Polish Community Center on Washington Avenue in Albany, and always lovingly offered to babysit her grandchildren locally and even traveling to Ohio to help with newborns.

Rita’s passions were her family and her garden surrounding her house. She managed to cultivate roses, perennials, and always took pride in her gardening. She enjoyed the many outings that her sisters Jane and Judy took her on, even with a walker and eventually a wheelchair.

Rita loved her family’s Polish heritage and when she was able, loved to Polka Dance and would travel near and far to Polka Dances with her daughter Gail.

Even in her final hours, Rita waited to see her children, grandchildren, and sisters, and wanted to make sure they would all be alright before passing. She was totally unselfish, and would do anything to help her family, she will be truly missed. Those that knew her were truly blessed.

A special thank you goes to the nurses and aides that cared for Rita during her final days at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. The care and dignified treatment was more than anyone could have expected. The family thanks Margaret, Robyn, Cheryl and Anna, among others that became close friends to family members that visited.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hospice Inpatient Unit at St. Peter's Hospital, 315 S. Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208.

At the request of the family, services will be held privately at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer for Rita’s large extended family.