Rita Podber's Obituary
Rita Podber passed away March 5, 2026, at the age of 73. She regretfully leaves behind too soon the love of her life husband Howard with a wonderful marriage hours shy of 43 years, her only child daughter Lisa, son-in-law Cahn, and 5 beautiful grandchildren Julie, Kai, Garrett, Mila and Andrew (her Andy). She was the most loving and devoted Wife, Daughter, Mother and Grandmother and so very treasured and loved more than anything in the world. She was her daughter’s best friend and rock and loved more than life itself. She never missed a beat supporting her daughter and giving her unconditional love. She loved being a grandmother most of all and all of her grandkids were her pride and joy. “I love you to pieces.”, she always said to them and “I’m going to eat you up!”. Her love was amazing. Immeasurable is what she'd been accurately saying. Each grandchild knew how special they were and how much they were loved. Her only regret when she was dying is not to be able to see and support her grandchildren growing up. She was worried not for herself for a second but for her husband to be okay and her grandkids and daughter without her here. A devoted daughter. While her mother Jean was still alive, they enjoyed the most amazing bond of any mother and daughter, spending so much time together and all-important occasions as well. She made sure her mom spent countless time with her granddaughter and great-granddaughter. And as her mom aged, she was devoted to ensuring she had the best quality of life and took full responsibility for her care. She was the strongest and toughest woman her daughter has ever known, and she never stopped fighting till the end. Never gave up. And always showed up. Never in the world was there anyone as reliable and trustworthy. She was also a wonderful caring daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, neighbor and friend. She loved traveling with her loving husband Howard, helping people, doing the right thing, gardening, and most of all her grandkids. She will be loved always and missed. Her absence is profoundly felt. God rest her soul and may her memory always be a blessing. Until we are together again. In lieu of flowers, please just do something nice for a doctor's office or treatment center nurses that cared for you or a neighbor or donate to Mesothelioma cancer research to help find a cure or to a cancer research organization of your choice. And take care of your health and fight for another day. That’s what she would want. Thank you.
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