Zander, Rita (Krauchalis )

Rita Krauchalis Zander, 92, of West Hartford, CT passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 14, 2021. She lived her life as a devoted daughter, wife, teacher, mother, grandmother and friend.

Her spirit is carried on by her two daughters and her granddaughter: Marcia Zander; T. Dalton Faenza of West Hartford, CT; Gillen Faenza who is a rising junior at Loyola University

in Chicago. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Harry P. Zander.

Rita was born on May 10, 1929 in Torrington, CT to proud Lithuanian parents. She lived in Torrington for many years before moving to West Hartford with Harry to be closer to her only grandchild. Rita married Harry on July 28, 1951 at St. Francis of Assisi Church of Torrington.

Rita graduated from Connecticut Teacher's College (now Central Connecticut State University) in 1950, and began her career as a second grade teacher at Southwest School in Torrington where she taught happily for 12 years. She then became a mother and stayed at home with her children for a decade. Rita unexpectedly returned to teaching when St. Peter's School in Torrington contacted her to ask if she would consider filling an unplanned vacancy for a year; she agreed and wound up teaching fourth grade there for 21 years before retiring in 1993. Rita's passion was

teaching; she touched the lives of many children who still remember her fondly to this day.

Rita's interests included swimming, bridge, bowling, tennis, live theatre at Hartford Stage & The Bushnell and girls college basketball – go UConn! The water and Rita had a special connection. She spent many years swimming and

water skiing at Highland Lake, frolicking in the ocean & fresh water ponds at Chatham on the Cape, and walking the rocky coastline and Gooch's Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine. In the last 15 years, one of her favorite activities was

attending the aquatic pool classes at Cornerstone Aquatic Center in West Hartford. Rita enjoyed travelling both in the United States and in Europe; especially to visit her daughters where she boated on the shores of Lake Michigan, sailed on the San Francisco bay, and cruised down the London Thames.

As a senior in college Rita was crowned “Snow Queen 1950”, which followed being voted “best dressed” in high school, thanks to her own mother's sewing skills & love of fabrics. Looking fashionable and glamorous is a tradition

she carried throughout life – always elegantly coordinated and accessorized.

Rita was devoted to her family. There is nothing she enjoyed more than time with her children and granddaughter. Rita would readily and happily hop in a car or on a plane to be with her girls and made countless trips to Boston, South Carolina, California, Chicago and London. She seamlessly bridged the generation gap of 70 years with her granddaughter – it was remarkable to witness and experience.

Friends have always been at the core of Rita's world throughout her life. She kept friends for the long term – from childhood, high school and college, fellow teachers, neighbors, her bowling group, and those who worked with her husband. It didn't matter who a person was or where they lived - Rita befriended them. Rita also made amazing friends during more recent years at 1401 Farmington Ave residences where she lived. She created incredible relationships at the Aquatic Center where she regularly attended classes – her group named themselves “The Pool Posse”. These residence and pool friends treated Rita like family, and were extremely kind to her throughout her later years. Rita also made new lasting relationships with her children's friends and families; even developing friendships while on vacations to Europe.

The family holds deep gratitude and admiration for Rita's caregiver, Juliana. Juliana dedicated herself to Rita's comfort, well-being and happiness for the past 2.5 years with gentle and loving care, and unwavering kindness and devotion. Their relationship developed and grew, and Juliana became a best friend, confidant, spiritual advisor...

ultimately family.

The family would also like to recognize Rita's medical teams who guided her through various health challenges throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be considered to MMRF – Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, a non-profit. For on-line donations: https://give.themmrf.org/give/278264/#!/donation/checkout or checks may be mailed to: MMRF, 383 Main Ave. 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851. (203)229-0464.

For on-line condolences, please visit www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com

Given Covid times and travel restrictions, plans and timing for a “celebration of life” are not yet determined, and

will be arranged at some future date.