Obituary of Rita Mae Tinken
Rita Mae Tinken
(nee Koziol)
Rita Mae Tinken, of Plainfield, passed away on January 1, 2023, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Rita was born on February 5, 1950, the middle daughter of the late Thomas and Mary (nee Pyter). Born and raised in Chicago, she loved walking to her family’s corner store for candy. She was a graduate of Queen of Peace, an all-girls high school in Burbank, IL. Rita was currently working at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where she was a Registrar for the last 25 years. She enjoyed the relationships she fostered at work but was never too tired for a trip to the mall or a good true crime show.
Rita was a generous woman devoted to her friends and faith community. She served many years at Grace Bible Church as a greeter, in the cafe, and hosting bible studies. She loved God and found solace and joy in the companionship of Jesus. She was involved in local support groups that fostered life-long friendships and personal growth.
She married Patrick Tinken on June 16, 1984, and was married for 14 years and had two children. As a single mother, she sacrificed much so her sons could grow up healthy and assured that she loved them. When they both became pastors in Chicago, she was delighted and took pride in their vocation. Her grandson was the light of her life and she enjoyed reading to him, playing with him, and seeing him smile at the many gifts she gave. She was looking forward to welcoming another grandchild in the next few months.
Rita is survived by her two sons, Matthew (Sarah) Tinken and Samuel (Shannon) Tinken; grandson, Shepherd Tinken, along with one grandchild on the way; and two sisters, Diane (Jim) Novak and MaryAnn (Gary) Lesch. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
Visitation for Rita Mae Tinken will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL, from 10:00 am until the time of Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Plainfield Township Cemetery, 15502 Joliet Rd., Plainfield, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to the American Cancer Society.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
