Sister Rita Mary Wasserman

            A native of Fremont, she was a 1944 graduate of St . Joseph High School. This was during WWII and, being patriotic young women, she and a friend got work at the Erie Proving Grounds. When the war ended, Sister Rita recognized the call to religious life that had been with her for many of her young years and joined the Sisters of Mercy.  Her first ministry assigned was teaching, which she had always wanted, saying “I was going to be the best teacher in the State  of Ohio.”

            That call lasted only a year as she was then assigned to nursing school, something she had never thought of doing.  That was definitely her calling as she was in the health care field for over 60 years. She served in many Mercy health care facilities in the area, including St. Charles; Mercy Toledo; St, Bernardine Home, Fremont; Saint Rita Medical Center, Lima; Mercy Hospital, Willard.  She held numerous positions, including Director of Nursing, Assistant Administrator, Vice President, President and CEO, and Pastoral Care Associate.

            She has been acclaimed for her work by many organizations, most recently by Mercy College (Toledo) which recognized her with its highest honor, the Misericordia et Cura (Compassion and Care) award along with their Distinguished Graduate Award at a recent commencement. “Although modesty is one of her most endearing qualities, Mercy College honors her as well for her persistence, her clear vision, and most fittingly, her care and compassion.”

            Sister Rita served 25 years at Willard Mercy where her name had become synonymous with the name of the hospital. In 2000 she was honored with the Catherine McAuley Lifetime Commitment to Service Award. “She epitomizes a lifetime commitment to healthcare by carrying out the mission of Mercy to extend the healing ministry of Jesus, said Lynn Detterman, President and CEO.

            She was the oldest child of Adolph and Catherine Wasserman. She is survived by siblings: Mercy Sister Margaret Wasserman, Fremont; Kathryn (Tim) Garvin of Clyde; Roselyn Wasserman, (Society of the Heart of Mary), New York; Janet (Marion) Souders, Fremont; and Claron (Martha)Wasserman of Michigan.

            She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Eugene and Leon.

            There will be a welcoming Service Monday March 18 at 2:00 pm at St. Bernardine Home, Fremont with visitation to follow.  Funeral Mass is Tuesday March 19, 11:00 at St. Bernardine’s with burial to follow in Our Lady of the Pines cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home and Crematory.