Kulpmont – Rita L. Foris, 94, faithfully departed this life into the supreme presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, October 31, 2021 with the prayerful support and love of her children who were her primary caregivers for the past five years.

She was born December 13, 1926, to the late Anthony and Victoria (Borkoski) Oshinski. She grew up as an only child in Ranshaw (Brady as she called it) attended St. Anthony Grade School and was a 1944 graduate of Coal Township High School. After high school she held brief employment at Wollensack Optical WWII defense work in Rochester, NY and also at the PA Department of the Treasury in Harrisburg.

She met the love of her life, Joseph Foris, at the Jan Sobieski (Polish Club) in Kulpmont. They were married September 2, 1950 in St. Anthony's Church, Ranshaw by Msgr. Thomas Bartol. Rita moved to Kulpmont with her husband and took up residence for the remainder of her years.

With her husband Joseph and brothers-in-law John and Steve (co-owners of Rhoades Florist) she played a major role in maintaining the flower business. Rita was a clerk for 40+ years and most customers requested her help when doing business. Her courteous smile, kindness, and expertise in beauty was appreciated by many. She also was the master bow maker through the years to compliment the many floral arrangements. She added the "finishing touches" to almost every piece that left Rhoades Florist.

Since the shop was connected to her living quarters, multitasking was the norm for Rita. She would be a cook, (many feeding employees) homemaker, and most importantly mother of three children in between her duties at Rhoades Florist. The love and joy she put into every job asked of her, most especially her motherhood amidst all other demands was beyond the call of duty. The best word to describe Rita is selfless.

Rita's robust Catholic faith and proud Polish heritage guided her life from childhood until death. When able she would attend weekday Masses along side her husband at St. Casimir's Church and then Holy Angels Church and every Novena and church service available (up until her illness). Her prayer books, (heavily used) prayer cards, and rosary are too numerous to mention. She passed on her strong faith, work ethic, and important values to her children who desire to live on in her legacy.

Prior to her age and illness, Rita was a member of the Legion of Mary and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph in 2007, as well as two siblings who died in their early years, Jeanette and Anthony. She is survived by her three children, Joette, Maria, and Andrew, all of Kulpmont as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and her household pets (dogs and cats) that she deeply cared for.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Rita L. Foris, 94, of Kulpmont – Family and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating. Burial will follow in St. Casimir's Cemetery, Marion Heights. Contributions may be made in memory of Rita to the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont, PA 17834 or any local animal shelter of your choice. Arrangements are being cared for by C.J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, Malcom C. Farrow IV, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com