Celebrating Rita

Campaign Created by: Natalie Dudley

The funds from this campaign will be received by Natalie Dudley.

Goal: USD $4,000
Raised: USD $ 4,460
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On November 1st, 2022, Rita Maria Dudley, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away peacefully in her home after an unexpected and short battle with cancer. Rita passed peacefully with family at her side. Rita was a true light in the world who endeavored to lead a Christ-like life everyday. She loved nature, the arts, and most of all- people. She was a kind and empathetic friend to everyone she met, always interested in the struggles and stories of others more than her own. Whether working in prison ministry, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to her elementary students, or just sending a beautiful hand-made card to someone who needed a boost, Rita gave of herself constantly. True to her nature, for the past decade Rita loyally cared for her husband Doug who suffers from advanced Alzheimer's. In honor of Rita, we have asked that in lieu of flowers those wishing to celebrate her life donate here in support of two non-profit organizations. 100% of donated funds will be used to fund a permanent "Tribute Tree" dedicated in her memory on the beautiful grounds of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. All additional funds received through this campaign will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. 

Please see Rita's obituary and funeral service details at: https://www.bucarofuneralhome.com/obituaries/Rita-Maria-Dudley?obId=26288095#/obituaryInfo

UPDATES

Update #4
December 5, 2022 facebook twitter

Hello Friends and Family, Thank you so much to each of you who have generously given in honor of Rita. The Magnolia tree dedication plaque is being created and will be on the tree soon. The remaining funds will be sent to the Alzheimers Association shortly. Rita would be so grateful and proud to have this tree in her honor for both the birds, squirrels and critters as well as for family to sit under in the great outdoors! Thank you again for making it happen!

Update #3
November 14, 2022 facebook twitter

Hello Family and Friends, Thank you all so much for helping us reach our goal of dedicating a beautiful Magnolia tree in Rita's honor at the Morton Arboretum. The tree is located straight our of the cafe doors, in front of the Children's area which a wonderful sitting area right in front of it. Rita sent beautiful weather as the family gathered to reminisce and see the tree. It has a large, healthy trunk and many branches (no leaves or flowers until Spring). The Arboretum is a beautiful location and a hidden gem in Lisle, IL where Heather and family and friends can visit and walk the incredible grounds. Thank you all for helping make this happen in memory of Rita who loved nature so very much. I'll update it in spring once the plaque has been installed and it is blooming. You all warmed our hearts with your kind words and thoughts, thank you so much. The remaining donations will be sent to the Alzheimers Association. Picture will be coming soon!

Update #2
November 8, 2022 facebook twitter

Hello Friends & Family, I wanted to thank you each so much for contributing to Rita's tree. She would be so grateful and humbled by your generosity. Sorry at this time we haven't been able to thank you all individually for your donations, but we are so thankful for each and every one of them. Please know that the family have been blessed by your prayers, flowers, kind words, support, friendships and love for this family. It means the world to them. God Bless you, Natalie

Memorial Tree
November 4, 2022 facebook twitter

The family has located the tree they would like to permanently dedicate to Rita. It is a beautiful Ginkgo tree located at the entrance of the Children's area at the Arboretum. Given Rita's love of children and nature, it seems totally fitting. Pictures will follow. 

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