Obituary of Rita Kulikowsky

Rita passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 8, 2015, surrounded by her family. She was born December 1, 1920 in Syracuse NY, the daughter of the late Frank and Fannie DiMartino Barbato. She was a very special lady who gave so much and asked for so little in return. Her friends and family would often call her for advice or just to chat; she was always willing to listen. Rita was a woman of small stature but with a big heart and a great deal of charm. She often remarked that strangers were always smiling at her. She just had a way about her. Rita was devoutly religious and spent the majority of her day praying and saying Novenas for others. Rita's hobby was making afghans. She warmed the hearts and bodies of countless babies, family members and friends with her gifts of those beautiful handmade afghans. Despite suffering with arthritis, she took great pride in saying that each stitch always lined up perfectly. She also loved fashion, and even at 94 years of age she was fashionably dressed each day. Rita was employed at Cortland Corset and also part-time at NYSEG and Bev & Company. She is survived by her sons William (Carol) and Richard (Janice); grandchildren Jeffrey (Marie), Keri, Kellie Jesrani (Deepak), Benjamin and Michael; two great grandsons, Alexandre and Nicloas; and her special sister-in-law and friend Angie Barbato. She was predeceased by her husband William, her brother Michael Barbato, and her sisters Mary Albanese and Fannie Griswold. Calling hours will be held Thursday 4-6 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Rita's life will Friday 10 am at St. Margaret's Church, 14 Copeland Ave., Homer NY, with a prayer to precede 9:15 am at Wright-Beard Funeral Home. Following Mass burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery. Contributions may be made to St. Margaret's Church or the charity of one's choice.