Rita Mae (Stopyak) Ishman, 74 of Clearwater, Florida and Hale, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2017, with family by her side.
She was born July 1, 1942 in Bay City and was the beloved wife of John Ishman for 22 years. She loved fishing, traveling, and being with her family.
Rita is survived by her daughter, Dawn Badalamenti; 2 brothers, Anthony (Kathy) Stopyak, Jr. and Thomas (Judy) Stopyak; 2 sisters, Barbara (Terry) Koscielski and Christine (Duane) Andersen; nieces, Theresa (Chris) Davis, Alexandrea (Chris) McNeilly and Ashley Stopyak; nephews, Jonathan (Jessica) Stopyak, D.D.S., Robert (Christy) Koscielski, Bradley Koscielski, Gabe Koscielski, Zachary Andersen and Matthew Stopyak; great-nieces, Sophia Stopyak, and Emma, Ava & Madison Koscielski; great-nephews, Alex & Logan Davis and Kaden &Nolan Koscielski and her dogs, Rusty, Rocky and Missy.
She was preceded in death by her father, Anthony Stopyak, Sr. and her mother, Frances (Pastoric) Stopyak.
Rita will be cremated and a memorial service will be held in June with family and close friends.
12 comments on “Ishman, Rita”
Aunt Rita,
It’s hard to believe that you have passed on to be with our Lord. Over the past year you spent recovering in Michigan, we made some great memories that I will always cherish. I am thankful for all of the get-togethers you were able to attend–birthdays, holidays, Sunday bowling leagues, dinners out, and day to day life.
I am constantly reminded of you–especially when I am watering my tomato plants. I know you must have been looking forward to July when they will begin to bear ripen fruit again. I will always think of you and smile when something I order at a restaurant doesn’t come out quite right! When we go bowling, we will always order your french fries. Whenever we get together, there will always be a deck of cards and a euchre game in your memory.
Most of all, we will all miss your smile, your hearty laugh, your attitude towards life, your strong convictions and your blunt style to tell it how it is no matter what it is or who it is.
Thank you for the wonderful memories and lessons in life. We will all love and miss you until we meet again.
-Jon, Jess, and Sophia
If heaven had a window and God granted me a view,
of all the beauty it beholds, I’d only look for you.
I’d listen for your laughter that was always music to me,
If I could only view once more the smile that warmed my heart,
I’d treasure that moment as long as I live even though we are apart
Here on earth I search for you and pray to God for signs,
and every day that passes you’re still with me in my mind.
I know you’re happy in heaven; you’ve earned your mansion indeed,
I love you and I miss you more than words can say,
and what I wouldn’t give just to talk to you today.
I hope that you can hear me and listen to my thoughts,
and wherever this life takes me you know your not forgot.
That once upon a time I was blessed and loved, it’s true,
and if heaven had a window I’d only look for you.
Hearts were broken the day that you left. We will miss you so very much.
With all our love Duane, Christine, Alexandrea, Christopher, Zachary and Chandler
Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see. Your flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of your heart and your portion forever psalm 73,26. To John, Dawn and family I’m so sorry for our loss. Rita was a great wife, mother and sister. She truly will be missed, I know I will miss her dearly. I enjoyed this last year with Rita, which I have great memories to hold on too. Good-bye Rita, love forever.
I love you SO much Mom. A minute or day will not go by and I will be thinking about you. You were the best Mom and my best friend.
Rita; I have missed you for the last year while you were in Michigan in the hospital. I know I will miss you for the rest of my life.
Love You John
I have been thinking of Rita, Dawn and the family. Hold your memories close to your heart. I pray for strength and peace in the year to come.??
My Deepest Sympathy to John and Dawn..She was so loved and cared for.
John and family, sorry to hear about Rita’s passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
You will forever be in our hearts. I am so glad we had this last year with you in Mi. We have so many memories to cherish. All the birthday, holiday celebrations, and bowling shared with you. Also the fun visits to Clearwater. Our Euchre tournaments (we were always the champs) and you always helping me with my poker hand at bowling. I’m going to miss you so much. Rest in peace now in God’s arms and all those who went before us.
Mom,
I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since you have pasted away. I don’t know where the time has gone. I hope you can hear me talking to you everyday and telling you good night I love you. I want you to know I am taking good care of your baby Rocky and I tell him all the time how much you loved him.
I miss and love you so much❤️
Mom, losing you left a heartache no one can heal. Our love for each other leaves a memory no one can steal. Love and miss you SO much.❤️