Rita M. “Cookie” McLaughlin, 78, of Florida, formerly of Butler, passed away peacefully on Thurs., Feb. 17, 2022, in Florida.
Born in Butler on June 23, 1943, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Fabrizzi, Sr. and Antonette Lepore Fabrizzi Rhodaberger.
Rita was a 1961 graduate of Butler Senior High School and a graduate of Butler County Community College with a business degree.
She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Elks, and the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed volunteering as a receptionist at the Butler VA Medical Center, and she touched many lives through her passionate and caring nature for others. She also enjoyed serving the church and nonprofit organizations in Florida over the past decade.
Rita loved dancing and planning outings for all her friends. She was energetic and full of life until her final days, always ready to help those in need.
She was a devoted mother to Dianna Cuny, of Cranberry Township, and David (Shellie) McLaughlin, of Butler; proud grandma of Hogan, Nicklaus and Palmer Cuny and step-grandchildren Alyssa Eichelberger and Colton Nist; and two step great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Carol “Dolly” Panei, of Butler; and one brother, Joseph Fabrizzi, Jr., of Grove City.
She was preceded in death by an infant sister, Alberta Mae Fabrizzi.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Sat., April 23, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 432 Center Ave., Butler, with Rev. John Baver officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope with a Purpose, Inc., 1128 East Clifford Ave., Eustis, FL 32726.
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