Obituary: Rita Ann Ferencak

Rita Ann Ferencak

Rita Ann Ferencak

Rita Ann Ferencak, wife, mother, sister, mentor, and friend was surrounded by love, laughter, and family on her last earthly day.

Daughter of Vito and Rose Carbonaro of Chicago, where she was born on Dec. 8, 1941, and grew up with her brother John and sisters Josephine and Margie.

She moved to Arizona in 1970 and lived in Tucson, where she was a successful real estate broker for many years. She relocated to Prescott, where she graduated magna cum laude from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Business Administration and was named Outstanding Business Student. She furthered her education at Northern Arizona University, earning her master’s in counseling.

Always willing to help others, she applied her education to supporting battered women and women with substance abuse issues. She worked for several charities including Catholic Social Services, Arizona Woman’s Education & Employment, and Stepping Stone Agency. She was also an academic counselor at Northcentral University. After retiring, she moved to Glendale in 2014.

She is survived by her husband, Andrew; four children, Katie, Mike, Mark, and Candice; five grandchildren, Kim, Amy, Holly, Joey and Jake; two great grandchildren, Baylee and Jordan; and her dog, Coco.

In the early morning of May 29, Jesus came to welcome her into heaven. She was the most spirited, independent, loving, and unique being. To her last hours she was more concerned with those around her, than herself. Her impact on this world can be seen in many ways. She was a rock for many and will be missed beyond measure. Until we meet again…

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in her honor to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101 or St. James Catholic Church.

Funeral services will be held at St. James Catholic Church, 19640 N 35th Ave. Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday, June 3, at 11 a.m. Please notify the family if planning to attend. Reception will be held immediately following the service. 623-777-0730.

Information provided by survivors.


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