Rita J. Derda

Rita J. Derda, 93, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Sunday June 12, 2022. She was born on March 26, 1929 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Joseph and Helen (Bolka) Zalas. Rita is survived by five daughters, Deborah LaVallee of Auburn, Maine, Jean (John) Leszczynski of South Bend, Indiana, Rosemary (Robert) Gudates of Mukwonago, WI, Carol Biskupski of South Bend, Indiana, Patricia Lesniewicz of South Bend, Indiana, eight grandchildren, Michelle Neikirk, John Leszczynski, Jr., Rob (Taylor) Gudates, Christine (Michael) Schroder, Brian (Mindy) Biskupski, Andrew Biskupski, Kyle Lesniewicz, and Elise O’Brien and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one sister, Henrietta Sideritz, three brothers, Ben, Arthur and Ervin “Gus” Zalas, two sister in laws, Helen and Evelyn Zalas and son-in-law, Ron Biskupski.

Rita was a long-standing member of the St. John’s Rosary Society. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the staff and nurses at Southfield Village and SouthernCare Hospice.

A visitation for Rita will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in South Bend from 10:00am until 11:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made in Rita’s honor to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com

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