Irene Rita Zuber, known as Rita for nearly 100 years, passed away on March 13, 2024. Born in Fall River, Massachusetts on April 7, 1924 to Leo and Yvonne Dufresne, Rita witnessed a myriad of changes throughout her lifetime, both technological and societal. Rita and her beloved husband, Ted, relocated to Syracuse in 1947 where they made many friends and raised their two children, Pamela and Joseph.

An excellent cook and accomplished seamstress, Rita’s primary interest was providing a warm, loving home for her family. She took great pride in the achievements of her children, grandsons, and great grandchildren. Her nine great grandchildren were the light of her life; nothing lit up the room like her smile when in their presence.

Always a hard worker, Rita retired from the ESM Food Service program having served meals to a long line of students over the years. Rita and Ted spent many happy summers boating with their friends and family on Sandy Pond, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Additionally, they enjoyed camping throughout New England and the 1000 Islands. Upon retirement, they spent winters in Florida, enjoying the warm weather and the companionship of close friends.

A communicant of St. Matthew’s parish since 1960, Rita held a deep religious faith which she quietly practiced for her entire life. She would attribute her long and healthy life to her daily walk to work and a belief in the importance of good nutrition.

Rita is predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Ted, her parents, and four siblings.

She is survived by her two children, Pamela (Earl) Hall and Joseph (Linda) Zuber, and four grandsons: Andrew (Chelsey) Zuber, Richard (Becky) Zuber, David (Becca) Zuber, and Michael Hall. She is also survived by nine great grandchildren (Elizabeth, Kaylee, Lucy, Jared, Charlotte, Matthew, Peter, Joey and May) as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Calling hours will be held at Goddard, Crandall and Shepardson Funeral Home, 3111 James Street, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 4 th. A funeral mass will be held at St. Matthews Catholic Church on Kinne Street in East Syracuse at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 5 th , followed by interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Matthew’s Food Pantry (229 W. Yates Street, East Syracuse, NY 13057) or to the Menorah Park Activities Fund (4101 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13214). Donations to the Activities Fund, which will be used to provide continued learning opportunities for staff, should include Irene Zuber in the Memo.

Online condolences, www.shepardsonfh.com.