Rita Jeanette Smithwick, 76, of Portland passed away peacefully at Hartford Hospital with her family by her side on Monday, July 3, 2023. Rita was born in Middletown, CT on November 13, 1946 to the late Mathew and Lauretta (Meckler) Erlick.

After graduating from Middletown High School, Rita had a few jobs that occupied her time while planning for her wedding and waiting to start her family.  She began her career as a pharmacy technician at Middlesex Hospital in the mid 1970's.  She then worked at Elmcrest Hospital before retiring back with Middlesex Hospital in 2021.   In between doing what she loved, Rita also acquired her real-estate license and worked for LaMalfa Reality in Portland, CT.

Over her lifetime, Rita was actively involved with her community.  As Rita's children were growing up, she was a Brownie Leader, cheerleading coach and a CCD teacher.  She also became involved with her parish's Mothers Circle as well as she sang in the church choir which in time resulted in a lifetime of  friendships for over the last 40 years.  Rita had a passion for travel.  Some of her most memorable places to visit were California, Florida, Texas, Alaska and Italy. She also enjoyed spending quality time with her family and friends breaking bread or having a glass of red wine. Listening to Barry Manilow always brought a smile to her face and was lucky enough to attend one of his concerts with a dear friend in her lifetime.  Rita had a heart of gold and was always there for you when you were in need.

Rita is survived by her brother, Andrew J. Erlick and his wife Debra of Summerfield, Florida; Fiancé Joseph Milardo of Portland; her children Raymond Sajdak, Jr. and his wife Michele of Portland, CT, Jeff Sajdak and his husband John of Bradenton, FL, Sandra Warshaw and her husband Robert of Portland, CT, and her grandchildren Jonathan and his wife Emma, Brandon, Brian, Paige, Emma and Taylor. She is also survived by her nephew Matthew Erlick and his wife Stacey of Belmont, New Hampshire and niece Aimee Leto and her husband Chris of Wildwood, Florida and great niece and nephews Brooklyn and Hunter Erlick and Christian and Isaac Frazier.

Rita's family would like to thank Hartford Hospital for their support during her final days. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make an online donation to Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org.

Her Funeral Liturgy will be held Saturday (July 15) at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 45 Freestone Avenue, Portland, CT. Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown on Friday, July 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.