Feb. 25,1931 - May 14,2024 Rita passed away peacefully in Venice, FL where she lived with her best friend and beloved husband of 33 years, Clemens (Clem) Sliwa. Rita was born to Patrick and Rose Ferguson in Liverpool, England and raised against the backdrop of WWII.
She emigrated to the US in 1959 and raised four children in a home filled with love and laughter. She was generous of time and spirit, volunteering with several charitable organizations and helping to introduce and establish local Hospice services. Cut short by the war, Rita resumed her education, earning her GED, college degree and eventually becoming Board Chairman at Thornton Community College where she was invited to serve on the Illinois Board and National Board in DC.
Rita and Clem met while dancing, and with both being fabulous dancers, they were known to clear the floor on more than one occasion. Rita loved to tell a good story and would employ her keen sense of humor or simply beautiful smile the moment it was most needed. She loved traveling with Clem, to destinations foreign and domestic, and lived for family events, weddings, and the arrival of grand and great grandchildren.
Rita had a deep commitment to her Catholic Faith. She was one of a kind and will truly be missed. Rita was preceded in death by her siblings and spouses, Patricia (David) Jenkins, Anthony (Columba) Ferguson and Francis (Allen) Mossell, sisters-in-law Barbara and Irene Ferguson, and stepson Joseph Sliwa.
Rita was survived by her hus.
