Rita J. Harper

Rita Jane (Lukasiak) Harper passed from this world of turmoil on September 9, 2026 at her home.  Rita was born on November 4, 1937 in South Bend, Indiana to Leonard J. Lukasiak and Helen (Guzicki) Lukasiak. Rita graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1955.  Michael Joseph Fogarty, her only child, was born on January 12, 1964.  Rita worked all of her adult life, but spent more than 30 years as Title Administrator at Jordan Automotive.  In 2012, she realized it was time, and retired at 75 years old. 

Rita was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Matthew Cathedral for more than 30 years. Rita had an artistic flair and was very talented in interior decoration and floral arrangements. She had a green thumb. She was very generous. Any small child that visited her home did not leave without treats or snacks (frequently in large quantities) and very likely something from one her drawers of treasures to take home.

Survivors include her dear granddaughter Nicole Fogarty, great granddaughter Olivia Forgarty, great grandson Finnigan Fogarty all of Indianapolis, and grandson Ingram Schermerhorn of Bloomington. Rita was an aunt to 21 nieces and nephews, 35 great nieces and nephews and more than 12 great-great nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her son Michael, her sisters: Mary Ann Kwiecinski, Christine Kovach, Fran Huff, Phyllis Lukasiak, a brother: Leonard P. Lukasiak, and 7 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026 at St. Matthew Cathedral, 1704 Miami Street, South Bend, where a mass of Christian celebration will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend, Indiana after the mass.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, has been entrusted with the arrangements.  Memorial contributions should be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society or The Food Bank of Northern Indiana. 

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