Rita J. Havey

Rita J. Havey, age 94, passed away peacefully with her family by her side August 1, 2020 at sunrise after a long and active life. She was born January 25, 1926, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, number seven of eight children to Polish immigrants Valentine and Mary (Sobczak) Wysocki. As a young woman she worked at Great Lakes Naval Base, and the VA Hospital. Later while working at Marquette University she met and married a young law student, her love, Francis Powers Havey, in June of 1952 who preceded her in death in 2012. 

Rita personified grace, intelligence, integrity, and hard work. She loved being a professional wife and fun, devoted mother of six children. She was untiring in her support of each of her children's school activities, interests, careers and personal lives. She was not only beautiful and smart; but stylish, creative, and artistic. She just made everything beautiful, even with the little things. Known as a great cook and baker for dishes like her pepper steak, beef stew and apple pies, she also enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts, dancing, and was a talented interior designer. 

Francis and Rita were avid travelers, seeking cultural adventure in Europe, North, South and Central America, and Africa. Favorite places were: New York City for its shopping, shows, dining and dancing; and Las Vegas where Rita was always a winner! 

Very proud of her Polish heritage, Rita was also a member of Polanki, the Polish Women's Cultural Club of Milwaukee and served as its President for one term. A great believer in the importance of community service, doing what’s right and good and being kind and helping others, she also served as a volunteer for many years at St. Luke’s Hospital and Alverno College Elementary School. Kindness was not just a word for her, it was a way of life. So many others were on the receiving end of her generosity, sacrifice, caring and loving nature, and willingness to help.

Rita’s Catholic Faith was a critical component in her life. Humble, but confident, Rita’s strong Faith in God was the key to having Faith in herself and in others. In later years she enjoyed watching televised Mass and saying the Rosary weekly with a true devotion to the Blessed Mother. Even though struggling with memory issues, she always remembered word for word, saying her daily prayers religiously. 

A true entrepreneur and pioneer, along with her husband Francis, Rita co-founded, and was Vice-President & Treasurer of Havey Fund-Raising, raising money for non-profits throughout the U.S. and internationally with an emphasis on Catholic organizations. From 1980 - 1984, Rita served as The Mayoress of the City of Greenfield during her husband's two terms as Mayor. Francis’s achievements were made possible by the support and work of his great wife Rita making the old adage ring true that, “Behind every successful man, there is a strong woman.”

Rita is survived by her four daughters and two sons - Roberta (Jerry) McDaniel, Paula Havey, Stephen (Mary Kay) Havey, Patrick (Roberta) Havey, Mary Michelle (Vito) Maria, and Lisa Havey. Beloved Grandmother and proud “Nana” to Elizabeth (Greg) Schonefeld, Nicholas Havey, Francesca Maria, Hayley McDaniel, and Valentina Maria, and Great-Grandmother of Walter Schonefeld. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, all of whom she loved and touched deeply.

Visitation will be at Bruskiewitz Funeral Home from 9:30 – 11:30 am, Friday, August 7th. A private Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Faith Community. Private interment at St. Adalbert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Havey family.