Rita J. Lusardi

ISHPEMING — Rita J. Lusardi, age 88, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away on Monday March 10, 2025 at UP Health System Marquette while in the loving care of her family, and hospital staff.

Rita was born in Ishpeming on March 18, 1936, daughter of the late Louis and Eva (Nault) Hebert, she was number 13 out of her 14 siblings. She married her husband Andrew Lusardi on September 26, 1953 and together they raised 7 children.

Rita started her working career at The Gossard, and then went on to work at the Coffee Shop, as well as at many other local restaurants. She also worked at Amcab and the Woolworth Café. The most fond working places for Rita was being Owner and Operator of Lusardi’s Restaurant in Negaunee, working at the Mather Inn, Marquette Mountain, and lastly at the Marquette County Youth Home from which she retired in 1997.

Rita enjoyed cooking, canning, and was best known for her mini pasties. She was a superb cook, and took great pride in her food. She also enjoyed camping with her family in her earlier years, bingo, reading, puzzle books, watching the Hallmark channel, playing cribbage, and crocheting (donating many of the items she made for raffles, or to nursing homes and schools). She was a very giving person, even if she didn’t have much herself. She found great joy in helping others.

Christmas Eve was Rita’s absolute favorite day of the year. Having her children and grandchildren is what made her happiest, with football Sunday running a close second. She loved her Green Bay Packers.

Rita was a member of the Negaunee Cribbage League where she served as President for many years, a life member Negaunee VFW Auxiliary, the Negaunee Elks, the Negaunee Eagles auxiliary, where she was a member for 49 years, holding titles of Great Lakes Regional President, Madam President, Madam Secretary, and State Officer. She worked many functions in her day to better the club.

Rita leaves behind her children, John Lusardi, Barb Lusardi, Faye Lewis, Andy (Michelle) Lusardi, Kathy (Chris) Pepin, David (Sandi) Lusardi, and daughter-in-law Denise Lusardi; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Andrew Lusardi; son, Reggie Lusardi; daughter-in-law, Sherry Lusardi; and son-in-law, Dan Lewis and all of her 13 siblings.

Rita’s family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday March 18, 2025 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. with Fr. Christian Flagstadt as celebrant. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the Church Hall.

Rita’s mass will be livestreamed at ishpemingcatholic.com/live

Rita’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Joseph Steele, and all of the staff at UP Health System Marquette who cared for Rita.

Rita’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.