Rita Bunda

Rita Barbara Josephine Leszczynski Bunda, 91, of Hickory, passed away Monday, March 25, 2024, at Springs of Catawba. Born June 8th, 1932, she was the daughter of the late John Stanley Leszczynski and Regina Klopotowski Leszczynski. Rita was married to George R. Bunda for just shy of 70 years and was skilled in homemaking and hosting, instilling the joy of entertaining and celebrating into her children. A devout wife and mother, Rita dedicated her life to the Lord and her family; always putting her husband first, raising 5 children, and engaging in school and church projects, committees, and clubs. When the family was grown, Rita returned to her love of art by enjoying painting, cake decorating, and piano music.

Rita and George lived in Cary, IL for 27 years until retiring to Winter Haven, FL in 1990. Even after the move, Rita always opened their home to loved ones and friends, creating a space where all felt welcome and cared for.

She is survived by three daughters Karen Becker (Michael) of Cary, IL, Kathee Martin (Rick) of Hickory, NC, and Sandra Kohlhase (Robert) of Bloomington, IL; a son James Bunda (Susan) of Kennesaw, GA; fourteen grandchildren Lynn Martin Justinger (Aaron), Luke Martin (Courtney), Brett Martin (Sandra), Stephen Kohlhase (Jennifer), Anna Kohlhase Minrovic (Bryan), Daniel Kohlhase (Katherine), Geoffrey Kohlhase (Alexandra), Nicole Bunda Randall (Bryce), Alexander Bunda, Casey Bunda Howse (Trevor). Mathew Bunda, Jason Carpenter, Michael Bunda, and Marcus Bunda; thirteen great-grandchildren Norah, Anthony, Holly, Mckenzie, Sydnee, Lucas, Alyrica, Christian, Tristian, Kinsley, Harper, Griffin, and Grace; and a sister Judy Carlson of Corrales, New Mexico.

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband George Bunda; a son David Bunda and his wife Christine; and a sister Diane Schillen.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or Medi Home Hospice at PO Box 1357, Newland, NC 28657.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, St. Sebastian Chapel, 921 2nd Street NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

A funeral Mass and inurnment will be held at 9:00 AM on Thursday, May 30, 2024 St. Matthew Catholic Church in Winter Haven, FL.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Bunda family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.