We Remember

KOZAKEWICH, Rita (née Jantz) UPDATED SERVICE INFO
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A Celebration of Life will be held to honour Rita on Friday, August 14th, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the number of attendees will be limited if you wish to attend please click here to sign up. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by livestream (see below).
Rita, age 64, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2020. She will be missed by her loving husband, Ben; her brother Allan Jantz (Debbie) and her nieces Kristina and Olivia Jantz; and by her sister-in-law Cecelia Jantz and niece Emma. She was predeceased by her parents Walter and Martha, as well as her brother Harold.
Rita was born and raised in Kelowna, BC but moved to Edmonton, AB in 1978 and began working for the Federal Government at Indian Affairs. In 1979, she met Ben, and they were married in 1981. She retired in 2010, and they decided to move to Kelowna in 2011 where they wanted to live out their retirement.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
A Livestream broadcast of the service will be available on Friday, August 14th, 2020 at 1:00 PM.
Uncle Ben, wish we could have been there to say goodbye to Auntie Rita. We are going to miss her vivacious personality and hospitality all those summers we have visited. We will be out soon to smoke some cigars in her memory. Love you, Cindi, Chad and Brooke
Dear Ben , I’m sorry I’m not able to be by your side today. Rita was a wonderful sister-in-law and I’m going to miss her very much.
Ben, my sincere condolences on your loss of Rita. I worked with Rita at the Federal Government. Also took an aerobics class with her. Rita was an energized individual who loved life. She always had time to say hello when passing by. May she Rest In Peace.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I worked with Rita at Indian Affairs for many years . she was a beautiful soul who didn’t take any flak from anyone. She was someone who was always cheerful and full of life. She will be missed.
So sorry to hear about Rita’s passing. Tim and I send our condolences
Ben, I was so sorry to hear through people who knew Rita from INAC that she passed. Much too soon for someone with so much more life to live. My deepest condolences to you. I have the memories of our shared love of English Cockers and her devotion to her dogs. . Take care.
Ben, Doug and I were so saddened to hear of Rita’s passing. She was always a wonderful neighbor and we enjoyed many conversations with her. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Just heard about Rita. My sincere condolences to Ben and all the family. I, too, worked with Rita for many years at Indian Affairs. Today the day seems less bright. I will always remember her patiently listening to me tell her about my having graduated to using five pound weights. She didn’t even crack a smile. What a girl!
I worked with Rita at INAC and I enjoyed her fiery passion for work and life. Whenever I needed her support, I only needed to ask. I will always smile fondly when I think of her. My sincere condolences to you during this difficult time.
Ben we cannot begin to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Rita was the first friend I made when I moved to Edmonton and remained friends all these years. Bill and I and our girls, Melissa and Melanie have so many wonderful memories of Rita. Rest in Peace Rita. We love and will miss you so much.
Ben, so sorry to hear of your loss. I only had the pleasure of meeting Rita a few times, but she was a wonderful lady. Our condolences to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss Ben! She was a special lady. Ric and Colleen Hildebrandt
Ben, we were very sorry to see the obituary for Rita. Our condolences to you and your family. Though we hadn’t seen you and Rita for many years, we have many memories of times spent with you both. You are in our thoughts.
Ben, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Rita was a beautiful person and will be greatly missed.
Dear Al,
I am so sorry to hear about your sisters passing.
If there is anything I can do for you or the family please let me know.
Sincerely Rick VanderHoek
aka Mr Goodlawn/Total Lawn Care
Dear Ben,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Rita.
Most sincerely, Allen and Shelah Pansegrau
My condolences to Rita’s family and friends. Rita brought discipline and professionalism to the Executive Services Directorate at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada in Edmonton. I enjoyed working with her. May Rita be resting in peace.
Hi Ben Wishing you God’s special blessings during this sad time. I have so many great memories of you and Rita over the passed 40 years. Rita was a special person in your life and you have many great memories to cherish. May God give you comfort and peace and bless you also in your future. Your friend. Harold.
Thinking of Rita always brings to mind her beautiful smile that brightened up a room.
Her love of family, her dogs, and cooking were an essential part of who she was.
She will be truly missed.
Love Joe and Kathy
I am so saddened to hear of Rita’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing and chatting with her at the mall and felt a deep connection with her. It was only when I saw her maiden name that I realized she was my work friend from 45 years ago, neither of us made the connection, but wish we had. Rita was beautiful inside and out,, so sweet and compassionate. I will keep her in my thoughts and heart. So very sorry for your loss, God Bless….. Judi Grundy
Ben, although I did not know Rita, I feel as though I did. My brother Joe always filled the family in on your wonderful visits together and her delicious dinners. Tom and I wish you our sincere condolences and sympathies on her passing.
Ben, thank you for mustering the strength to share some insights into your life with Rita. I feel I know her more and understand how hard it must be now, without her. My condolences to you and her family. May the love of those around you comfort you. I hope I’ll be able to hug you personally sometime soon!