Rita CUNZ-TOLLEFSEN Obituary

Rita entered into the Kingdom of Heaven at age 96 on November 22, 2024, with her oldest daughter, Karen, holding her hand.

Rita was born Rita Mae Johnson at home, January 8, 1929, in Newport, WA, to Ellen Corine and Amos Johnson. Her mother was from County Claire, Ireland, and father from Sweden.

At an early age, her family moved to Spokane where she attended St. Aloysius grade school and later St. Joseph's, where she met Richard "Dick" Cunz.

She attended Marycliff High School where she was proficient in volleyball, archery, and golf. Rita was also an accomplished soloist as a singer.

She married Dick Cunz in 1949, and the couple became parents to Karen, Patricia, Sandra, and Richard.

Rita was employed at Washington Water Power in management development. After the family moved to Seattle, she was employed by Virginia Mason Clinic, where she was awarded "The Pride of the Clinic" award in her positions as customer service, Medicare advisor, and physician's liaison.

Dick passed away in 1997 and years later she married Skip Tollefsen. Rita and Skip were snowbirds and lived in Yuma, AZ, and Palm Springs, CA. Rita had many friends and traveled all over Europe, including many Viking cruises.

Following Skip's death, Rita moved to Spokane to be near her daughter, Karenm who would become her caregiver. Prior to this, Rita lived in the San Souci West community where she made many friends and was involved in many functions.

Rita loved animals, especially dogs. She always had a dog and the pets of her children in her home.

She was predeceased by Dick Cunz; Skip Tollefsen; two infant grandchildren; her brother, Ray Johnson; and many relatives and friends.

Rita is survived by her children, Karen Kearney, Patricia Oakland (Scott), Sandy Sand (Leon), and Dick (Sandy); nephews, Paul Delaney (Melanie) and Bill Cunz (Pam); three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Her Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, December 5 at St. Charles Catholic Church, at 4515 N. Alberta, at 11 a.m. with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Special thanks to Providence St. Joseph's Care Center and the staff including nurses Aura and Omar who became family to us.