It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rita "Nonnie" Reichart, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Rita was born on January 11, 1947, and passed away on May 9, 2023, surrounded by family. She is already dearly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her, including her beloved kitty cat, Sasha.

Rita was a warm, genuine, fun-loving, selfless, and accepting soul who brought joy to everyone she met. She had a comforting presence, a kind heart, and a sense of humor that could light up any room. Rita's beauty was not only apparent in her appearance, but also shone through her character, as she effortlessly made people feel welcome and loved. Although she endured so many tragedies, she never became bitter, always remained optimistic, and appreciated every day.

One of the most significant lessons Rita shared with those who knew her was how to love unconditionally. Rita demonstrated this not only with her own family, but also with countless others who considered her a second mother or grandmother. She had a unique ability to create connections with people, to listen and offer support and guidance when it was needed the most. Her love and dedication to her family were unwavering, and her impact on those around her will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.

Rita enjoyed spending time with her family and cruising around in her Corvette or on the back of her boyfriend Steven’s motorcycle. Some of her favorite vacation spots included the Florida Keys and Sturgis, South Dakota, and her favorite music ranged from Buddy Guy and Frank Sinatra to The Grateful Dead among many others. Rita had a sweet tooth and was known to have stashes of chocolate and candy, even though she stayed famously thin and fabulous. She was always gorgeous, flawlessly fashion-forward, manicured, made up, and loved to shop- with a killer clothing and boots collection to prove it. She appreciated bohemian style and art, loved her collection of crystals and semiprecious stones, and she embodied new age spirituality and the belief that everything is interconnected. Some of Rita's greatest accomplishments included modeling in her teenaged years; serving cocktails during the late 1960s at Villa Venice where Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jerry Garcia and many others had played or visited; through the 70s-80s cocktailing at Hoyers Rosemont; and finished out her career with Comcast after nearly 20yrs, retiring in summer of 2009.

Rita was predeceased by her father, George Clovis Darnell; her mother, Thelma Catterson; her son, Kelly Adam Bakos; her daughter, Tami Hansen; her step-sons Jack, Skip and Richard Bakos; and her daughter-in-law, Kathy Bakos. She is survived by her daughter Candace Wimperis; her sisters Linda Darnell Patch and husband David, and Barbara Bryant and husband Bob; her brother Ron Darnell and wife, Gail; her brothers Mike Haller & Doug Haller; her grandchildren Amanda Bakos-Mitchell, Tiffany Bakos, Bobby Hansen, Stephanie Hansen, Angel Wimperis-Campbell, Ernie Wimperis and Heidi Wimperis; her great-grand babies Ellie & Avery Hansen, and Lilah Bakos-Loughnane; and dear family friends Steve & Nhing Martin.

A Celebration of Life for Rita will be held on Sunday, May 28, 2023, 1-7pm at the VFW in West Dundee, IL. This is an open invite to arrive any time to share memories, stories and photos.

Rita "Nonnie" will be fondly remembered by her family and friends for the unconditional love and joy she brought into their lives. Her legacy will be one of building the bonds of family and friendships, and sharing kindness, laughter, and true beauty, both inside and out. Rest in peace, Lovely Rita, our sweet Nonnie.

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