Rita Regina Pahmeier

"She lived and she died. That was what mom always said she wanted on her gravestone - a fittingly simple epitaph for a Wisconsin girl who liked nothing better than to do crafts, puzzles, or play cards at the kitchen table and visit with friends on the patio on Sommers Ave. Mom and dad and assorted neighbors would hold court in the backyard, keeping watch over the bike path and Atwood Avenue, ensuring that everything was operating smoothly. A self-described "homebody," Rita enjoyed these things as much as anything and in the last few years often pined to be back in her beloved house, shopping in the neighborhood and going to church with her best friend, Darlene. Rita left us on July 11, 2016, breaking free of her broken and painful body after a long battle between old age and modern medicine. She died at her home at Oak Park Place in Madison, under the wonderful care of their staff and, additionally and more recently, the equally wonderful people from Heartland Hospice. First and foremost, we would like to thank these people forgive us for not naming you all individually for taking such great care of mom these last few years. The former Rita Sveum was born and raised on the west side of Madison, enjoying many adventures with her siblings, Harold and Jean (Karsten), and especially with her dad, Clarence. Mother Margaret kept everyone in check. Rita graduated from West High and, while there were plenty of eligible west side men, she found love in the form of a superior being...an Eastsider. Henry Pahmeier came into Rita's life and stayed until the end, 61 years later. They rounded out the family with Sue and Mike. Sue brought Tim to the family and grandson Andrew. Mike brought Masarah and granddogs Spencer, Roscoe, and Scree. Rita was the last surviving member of her immediate family and leaves behind Henry and the rest of us mentioned above, as well as the extended families of her siblings Harold (Janet) Sveum and Jean (John) Karsten, which includes her niece Teresa Fox, with whom she shared a special bond since the tragic early passing of Jean. Services will be held Monday, July 18, 2016 at 1 p.m. at ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL 4058 Lien Rd. Madison. Visitation will start at noon. A small reception will follow. No flowers please. If you wish, a donation could be made to the Dane County Humane Society. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com