Obituary of Rita Marie Lederman

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With great sadness, the family of Rita Marie Lederman (nee Runstedler) announces her passing on April 15, 2025.

Loving and devoted mother of Shari Lederman, Renee Bowers (Ross), and Kevin Lederman.

Adored grandmother of Courtney Joseph, Nolan Freeman, Jonathan Bowers (Alicia), Jason Bowers (Jayme) and Samantha Chadwick (Jordan). Will also be missed by her five great-grandchildren.

Cherished daughter of the late Ethel and Leo Runstedler. Dear sister of Gilbert Runstedler (the late Rita), and Barbara DeWitt (Wallace).

Predeceased by her sisters Irene Dietrich (the late Harry), Mary McCann (the late Beverly), brothers Jack (the late Millie), Albert (the late Jean), and Walter Runstedler (the late Gerry).

Rita had the great fortune of having two families throughout her life. After living with her family in St. Clements for 15 years, she moved to Kitchener to attend St. Mary’s High School. For the next 12 years, she lived, laughed, and loved with her second family, the Nowak’s.

Cherished sister and friend to Jane Litzgus (Larry), Gwen McGrenere (the late Tom), Joseph Nowak Jr. (Barb), and Linda Embro (Paul).

Predeceased by her bonus parents and friends Mary and Joseph Nowak, and her sister Pat McNeil (the late Joe).

While raising three children on her own, Rita embarked on a career in new home sales. It was there that her honesty, integrity, and engaging personality made her a highly sought after sales agent. She worked for many home builders throughout the years. She was a driving force behind the number of prestigious new home/condo projects, such as the cloisters of Willow Wells, the Village on Clair Creek and Rivers Ridge in Guelph, to name a few.

Born a hard worker and never looking to stay still or slow down, she worked for Belmont Village Financial Services after retiring from real estate. She loved her time there, enjoyed engaging with fellow coworkers and clients alike, all the while doting over the apple of her eye, Courtney.

Rita was an avid swimmer and water enthusiast. Throughout her life, she would start days by swimming laps at the pool and doing water aerobics.

Cremation has taken place. Rita’s family will receive visitors at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service in the chapel of the funeral home at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the funeral home’s Fireside Reception Room. A private interment will take place at Parkview Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to the Alzheimer Society or the Ronald McDonald House may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or via www.erbgood.com.