Obituary of Rita Conaway

Rita Berchtold Conaway, age 82, of Millcreek Twp., passed away Friday, January 24, 2014 at her residence. Rita was born on December 1, 1931 in Larimer, PA, the daughter of the late, Edward F. and Irene L. Koelsch Berchtold. She was a graduate of Julia Richman H.S. and studied ballet under George Balachine at the School of American Ballet in New York City. She graduated from Grove City College in Grove City, PA. Rita was employed as a floral designer for forty years at several shops in Erie. She enjoyed baking, needlepoint, crocheting, and especially knitting with all her friends at the Cultured Purl. Rita is survived by her husband of fifty-nine years, six months, three weeks, and four days, Gary, one son, Scott, and grandson, Josh, of Erie, one daughter, Kelly of Albany, NY, and one sister, Mabette Wilson of North Huntingdon, PA. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Monday, January 27, 2014 from 4 until 7 p.m. Private burial at Erie County Memorial Gardens at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank, 1507 Grimm Dr. Erie, PA 16501.