Rita A. Fugger

Rita A. Fugger, 84 of Watertown, WI, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025 at The Marquardt Healthcare Center.

Rita was born in Trempealeau, WI on November 3, 1940, the daughter of Edward and Kathryn. Rita married James W. Fugger in 1976 and they shared many happy years together until his passing in 1999. Rita loved Johnny Depp, Wisconsin State Fair and sparkles on everything. Rita was a survivor, a fighter, stronger than anyone else you will ever meet. She beat the odds multiple times during her lifetime including surviving polio as a teenager. It seems fitting that her hero was Wonder Woman. She was one of those people that if she asked you a question, she already knew the answer; she just wanted to see how you would handle the question. She had mastered the art of staying silent, often giving you the impression she knew nothing but all the while retaining everything and knowing more than she would ever let on. She was the most giving person, making little gift bags for all her neighbors and those special to her. While she could no longer hand them out personally, her joy was in buying all the things and putting them together. She often tried to shield her family from her pain because she did not want to worry anyone nor see her suffering. She held on because she was more concerned about everyone else’s wellbeing and wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of before she left this earth. She had amazing stories, life lessons, wisdom and always listened with her whole heart. During her last year, all she came in contact with adored her. The Healthcare Center staff loved talking to her and often came to her room to say goodnight at the end of their shifts or made a point of making her their last patient. They stated it calmed them. She touched the lives of so many; and even more so during her last year. She will be missed so deeply but may we have solace knowing her suffering has finally come to an end as she is the last person that deserved to go through all that she did but again, she fought not for herself but for those around her. What we will carry with us is her wisdom which she sowed upon us all so frequently and she had in abundance. She taught us to be strong, to think with our head and not our heart and never accept less than what we deserve. She taught us to stand up for ourselves, to take care of ourselves first and foremost and to not back down from the things you believe in. And she taught us that if you see something you like, JUST BUY IT otherwise you will regret it later...lol...and we tried to teach her to use those things instead of keeping them hidden like treasures. She loved music and taught us that it is ok to dance anywhere at any hour and to hoot and holler whenever something moves you. She taught us the fabulousness of sparkles and bling. Those of us who were blessed with receiving cards from her were often met with a mess upon opening them as she loved to add sprinkles inside. That was not always met with the best reaction, but that was her way. May we end every day hearing her say "Happy face in the morning" until we meet again.

To the nurses, aides, volunteers and entire staff at Marquardt; thank you! Many of you became like family to us and your constant care was comforting.

To the Commonheart hospice team; thank you for your kind compassionate care. Barb, Shari & Kathryn; your love for Mom could be felt a mile away through your acts of kindness and your ability to adjust to the constant ups, downs and rollercoaster that Mom endured for the last year. To Kenny, Luna, Millie “Marshmallow” & Peaches; you were the highlight of her week. She counted down the days between each visit and couldn’t wait to see those wagging tails come through her door; thank you.

Rita is survived by her daughter Rochelle Tolfa and son Rick Tolfa; grandchildren Angela (Nick Miller) Tolfa and Vincent Tolfa; siblings Phyllis Nessmann and Brian Christensen; and cherished friends, The Bratz Family. Rita is further survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband, James.

A Celebration of Rita’s Life will be held in the spring. Further details to follow.