This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: WAKEFIELD, BARODICZ Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/25889/mb.ashx Message Board Post: WAKEFIELD, Rita Kalamazoo, MI Rita Wakefield, age 83, died on February 20, 2010, at Borgess Medical Center. She was born into the Barodicz family on May 4, 1926, in Hamtramck, MI; the fifth of six children. Rita graduated from Hamtramck High School where she played basketball. On October 10, 1948, she married David Wakefield. Through the years they lived in East Detroit, Warren and Tennessee, finally making their home in Kalamazoo in 1997. Rita was a devoted Christian her whole life, and together with her husband, they made the Parchment United Methodist their home church. With Rita's love of music, she joined the choir at the church. Along with listening to a wide range of music she loved to read. Through the years she held several jobs, but her greatest work was caring for her family. She supported her husband in all his endeavors. She especially loved his work at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo for the last 10 years, where she had also worked in the gift shop. Rita's children and grandchildren were always on he! r mind and she did everything she could to support and encourage them in their lives. Her family includes her husband of 62 years, David; children: Richard & Mary Wakefield of White Lake, MI, Patrick & Connie Wakefield of Macomb Twp., MI and daughter-in-law Linda Wakefield of Kalamazoo; grandchildren: Kerry & John, Kyle, Shawn, Stephen, Shelby, Brittany, Colin, Tyler, Samantha, and Abigail; and great-grandchildren: Madison and Lyla. Rita was preceded in death by her son David, her parents, and her five siblings. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 10-Noon at the Parchment United Methodist Church, 225 Glendale Blvd. Parchment, MI 49004, where her service will be held at Noon Wednesday. Memorial donations are requested in lieu of flowers to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. Rita and her family are being cared for by the Williams-Gores Funeral Home, 133 Orchard St. Delton, MI 49046. Please visit www.williams-goresfuneral.com to view and sign Rita's online guest book or to leave condolences. Published in Kalamazoo Gazette on February 23, 2010 (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.