Rita Isabel Dieker, age 98, formerly of Quincy, passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at the House of Loreto, in Canton, Ohio. She was born on January 24, 1914 in Yonkers, New York. She was the daughter of James A. and Mary A. (Lavey) Mulligan.

Rita married John Harold (Buddy) Dieker. He preceded her in death on December 25, 1990.

Rita was a Registered Nurse, and received her degree from Yonkers General Hospital in New York in 1934. She also was awarded a 4 year scholarship at Columbia University in New York City. After marrying John, they moved to Quincy where she worked as Public Health Nurse for the Adams County Health Department. She then became the Executive Director of the Adams County Heart Association where she started the “Heart Balloons” Fundraising Program. Rita subsequently earned a B.A. Degree in English at Quincy University, and went on to receive a Master of Arts in English at Western Illinois University. She then taught English at Notre Dame High School, Robert Morris College, and at St. Thomas Seminary.

Rita is survived by her children Rita Carolyn Harney, Justine C. Peters, Constance J. and (David) Allton, Suzanne Hills and (C.J. Morris), and 6 grandchildren, Jon Harney, Mark Harney, Gina and (Paul) Piero, Justine and (Paul) Schneider, Tara and (Bill) Dubuque, and Angela and (Rob) Rastetter. She has 12 great grandchildren, Meghan, Allison, and Audrey Piero, Danielle, Eric, Brooke, and Alex Schneider, Wyatt, Lauren, and Nathan Dubuque, Kyle and Samantha Harney. She is survived by her sister Audrey Bender of New Palz, N.Y.

She cherished her children and grandchildren, and generously gave to so many, including those less fortunate during her work as a Public Health Nurse. Rita was an accomplished woman with great intellect, spirit and personality, and certainly was ahead of her time professionally. She was very proud of her Irish heritage and enjoyed reading, classical music and entertaining. She valued education and imparted that on her daughters. The strength and devotion she gave to her children and grandchildren will forever be remembered, and passed on through subsequent generations of the family. During the last 10 years of her life she experienced many health challenges but was constantly surrounded by her daughters who adored her. Her legacy is not only her drive and professional accomplishments, but she lives on through her children and grandchildren who emulate her in so many ways.

The family wishes to thank the very kind, compassionate and dedicated sisters and nursing staff at the House of Loreto, who became family during the past 6 years, for their unfailing love, support and care of our dear mother.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Peter. Interment in Calvary Cemetery next to her loving husband, Buddy. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 17th, from 9:30 until 10:30 AM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in Rita’s memory, to the House of Loreto and the good Sisters of the Congregation of the Divine Spirit who dedicate their lives to the love and care of the fragile and helpless elderly. House of Loreto, 2812 Harvard Avenue, N.W., Canton, OH 44709