Rita Marie Leslie

Rita Marie Leslie, 77, of Kittanning, formerly of Natrona Heights, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023, in ACMH Hospital in Kittanning. She was born April 26, 1946, in Natrona and lived most of her life there and in Natrona Heights, spending the last several years of her life being cared for by the wonderful caregivers at Kittanning Care Center. Rita was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School, Natrona, and received an Associate Degree in Business Administration from the Community College of Allegheny County, followed by additional credits in Human Resource Management and Business Administration Teaching from Seton Hill College and Robert Morris College. Before retiring, she worked for Allegheny Valley Hospital, Natrona Heights for 13 years, first as Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Business Development, and then as Executive Secretary to two Vice Presidents of Operations. Prior to that, she worked for 26 years as Administrative Secretary to the Vice President/Chief Financial Officer at what was then Citizens General Hospital, New Kensington, PA. She began her career as a secretary for 4 years at Belair Nursing Home, Lower Burrell, PA. Rita enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and her coworkers, many of whom she considered good friends. She loved to travel and she loved animals, looking forward to coming home from work to see her pets. She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Marie (Streblic) Leslie, her sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Frank Polliard, and her brothers, Ronald and Frederick. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Marlene Leslie and Geri Leslie, and her many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, whom she loved and adored. Rita was a long time member of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Guardian Angels Parish, Natrona Heights, PA, and enjoyed her many retreats to St. Emma’s Monastery in Greensburg over the years.

Friends will be received on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of a parting prayer service at 11:30 a.m.in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 Noon in Most Blessed Sacrament Campus with her pastor the Rev. John B. Lendvai as celebrant.  Burial will be in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Township.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, 730 Church Street, New Kensington, Pa.  15068.  To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.