Rita Catherine Tansey

Rita joined our heavenly father the morning of February 26, 2014 at the age of 76 years old. Born June 25, 1937 in Owosso, Michigan to Frank and Florence Blazic, Rita left this world a far better place thanks to her tireless efforts to make those around her better along with a boundless spirit for sharing her wisdom and passion. She was cared for until the very end by the person destined by God to do so with unconditional love and unfailing loyalty, her devoted husband Patrick John Tansey. After graduating in 1955 from St. Ursula Academy, she went on to earn her teaching certification from the University of Toledo in 1957. Always a passionate student, she went back to earn her Bachelors of Education degree from the University of Toledo in 1973 and later achieved a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling along with a Paralegal degree. What largely defined Ritas work history and remains in many ways her unsung legacy was her many years of service to the Catholic Diocese of Toledo as a teacher including time spent at St. Patricks of Heatherdowns, St. Annes, St. Rose of Perrysburg, St. Theresas, Regina Coeli, and Blessed Sacrament. Rarely has there been a more beloved teacher let alone one that imparted wisdom spanning multiple generations. Her gift of writing and effortless creativity made for a natural fit in the advertising world. Beginning at Total Media, Rita developed campaigns for businesses of all sizes and segments. She later became a Senior Account Executive at the firm of Fahlgren and Ferris. It was here that she made one of her most notable achievements, the conceptualization and launch of the Toledo Alive campaign. This comprehensive initiative to rebrand Toledo was the impetuous that helped spark a decade of growth in our community and left a lasting impression on the landscape of Northwest Ohio. She went on to serve as the Vice President of Public Relations and Advertising for the Gladieux Corporation, which at the time included the beloved Westgate Dinner Theater. Thanks to her support the Westgate Dinner Theater was not only an economic driver for Toledo but a cornerstone for tourism in Northwest Ohio. After retiring Rita continued to serve others in many ways. As a volunteer she wrote grants for the Collingwood Art Center, securing thousands of dollars to support this historic and important community resource. In addition, she selflessly gave of her time volunteering at Women Blessing Women helping dozens to achieve their General Equivalency Degree. While she had many passions in life, without question one of the most important were her 13 grandchildren. Spending time with them was the highlight of any day and she was always available as a confidant, a mentor, and unquestionably as a role model. In what started out as an effort to deepen their relationship with each grandchild, Pat and Rita embarked on a 13 year adventure taking each one individually to a country of their choice within Europe. What became evident was that these trips were not mere vacations but life changing experiences that remain indelibly etched on the fabric of the family. Preceding her in death are her parents Frank and Florence Blazic and her sister Theresa Semel. Surviving are husband Patrick Tansey, brother David Blazic, sister Betsy Micek, children Patrick Linda, Sheila Steve Bond, Chris Julie, and Mark Melissa, grandchildren Matthew Megan Bond, Jordan, Zachary Bond, Elizabeth Adam Howell, Adam, Katelyn, Sean, Abigail Bond, Margaret, Madison, Jack, Michael, and Joseph, and great grandchild Anna Bond. Visitation will be held at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. on Saturday, March 1, 2014 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 2, 2014 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 9:00 a.m. , Monday, March 3, 2014 in the funeral home followed by Funeral Mass at Gesu Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd., at 10:00 a.m. Interment services will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Hospice of Northwest Ohio.