Rita Marie Horak Neumann, 93, entered peacefully into heaven on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, surrounded by her loving family.
She was the daughter of the late James and Mary Horak of Elberta; devoted and loving mother of Dr. Howard Neumann (Jan), Carole Jennings CBCS (Robert), Adrienne Boros (Tony), Gwen Bonnecaze (Steve) and Tina Blaise (Randy). Rita was a very loving grandmother to 18 grandchildren, Michele Carroll (Sean), Howie Neumann (Megan Ciampa), Scott Neumann, Jackie Lanaux (Gaston IV), the late Robert “Rooky” Jennings, Gillian Godby, Patrick Jennings, Sean Jennings (Jeanette), Brigid Kessler (Greg), Deanne Fincher (Mark), Melissa Avilez (Joe), Anthony Boros(Tasha, Tanya Ordoyne Steven), Christina Crawford (Eddie), Wendy Jacob (Travis), Mitchell Blaise, Nicholas Blaise and Hayley Blaise. Also, she was a devoted great-grandmother who took joy in being called “GG” to 24 great-grandchildren, Reagan Carroll, Emma Carroll, Maddie Lanaux, Caroline Lanaux, Gaston V. Lanaux, Alexander Jennings, Brandon Jennings, Joanna Jennings, Victoria Godby, Devlyn Wilhite, Vaughn Wilhite, Jameson Jennings, Cole Fincher, Andrew Fincher, Jacob Avilez, Drake Avilez, Kristen Avilez, Sophia Boros, Logan Boros, Abby Ordoyne, Blake Ordoyne, Rylie Crawford, Alexa Walsh and “baby” Jaxon Jacob. Rita is also survived by her brother, James Horak Sr. (Joyce); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rita was preceded in death by her sisters, Mamie Horak, Tillie Gottler, Evelyn Keller, Helen Belousek and Alby Gruber.
Rita was born Sept. 20, 1921 in Cleveland Ohio and spent her teen years in Elberta. There she met the love of her life, the late Howard L. Neumann.
Howard farmed for many years while Rita worked at the Elberta bank and for Dr. Holmes. After their potato crop failed they relocated to Norfolk, Va. where Howard was in the grain business, eventually moving to Harahan, La. for another career opportunity and where they raised their five children.
As a young adult, she considered a singing career. She had a scheduled audition for Dawn Busters in New Orleans. Her grandmother passed and Rita chose to be with her mother instead of auditioning. Even though that window of opportunity was gone, Rita pursued her love of music in other ways.
She sang with the Navy band on her lunchtime and during WWII at the USO. In the 1940s she cut a record in Mobile. Throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s she sang for the St. Matthew’s Choir in River Ridge, La., St Rita’s Choir in Harahan, La., the St. Bartholomew’s Choir in Elberta and many of her grandchildren’s weddings.
In the 1980s she performed at the South Baldwin Chamber Theatre in the “Merry Widow” and “Of Thee I Sing.”
She was employed with Southern Microfilm, Ryder Truck Rental and Mr. Tax.
Rita was a devout Catholic, a devoted mother, an avid reader, loved musicals, her favorite soap “All My Children,” played the piano, solved crossword puzzles and was a Scrabble and Yahtzee enthusiast.
Born of Czechoslovakian heritage, she passed down the importance of family. She survived many hardships of her era with a positive spirit, always protecting her children with an upbeat approach to challenges in life.
After the passing of Howard, she lived the remainder of her life in Foley, which was near and dear to her heart. Her family continued to flourish and there was never a dull moment.
She was a constant joy to all who knew her. She will be sadly missed by all. Rita Marie Horak Neumann has left behind a remarkable legacy.
Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, from 6-8 p.m. A viewing will take place Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. in the Parish Hall, followed by mass at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Elberta.
Interment will follow in Pine Rest Cemetery in Foley.
A reception will follow at the church Parish Hall in Elberta.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Foley.
