Rita Theresa Zionkowski

Rita Theresa Zionkowski, age 86 of North East, MD, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Newark, DE. She was born on October 25, 1937, in Nanticoke, PA, to the late Joseph Shemanski, and Catherine (Molitoris) Shemanski.

Rita was a dedicated member of the Immaculate Conception & St. Jude Church in North East MD, where she participated in many various committees. She was also an active member of the YMCA for over 30 years. Rita had many passions and interests. She found joy in arts & crafts, ministering to the sick and homebound at St. Jude. Rita loved going to the beach, especially the Outer Banks, NC. She cherished time spent with her family, always planning family events. She had a remarkable memory and knew everyone’s birthday, sending out heartfelt cards. Family was at the center of Rita’s life, and she was known for being very family-oriented.

Rita is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Narcy Zionkowski; children: Ronald Zionkowski, Karen Licari, Daniel Zionkowski (Leslie), Kathryn Richardson, and Kenneth Zionkowski (Tracy); grandchildren: Jessica Zionkowski, Amber Nicole Nelson, Brittany Wilcox, Lauren Holden, Leslie Licari, Matthew Zionkowski, Joseph Zionkowski, Halle Zionkowski, Corey Phipps, Samuel Phipps, Chad Richardson, Zachary Richardson, Kellie Zionkowski, and Molly Richardson; 23 great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert Shemanski.

In addition to her parents, Rita is preceded in death by her son, David Zionkowski; grandchildren, Joshua Austin, and Tyler Zionkowski; and daughter in law, Amy Zionkowski.

Honoring Rita’s wishes as an organ donor, her body has been donated to the Maryland Anatomy Board.

Services for Rita will be held at a later date. She will be inurned at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the “Outreach Program” and send in care of the funeral home at 259 E. Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921.