Rochester: Passed June 21, 2017 at age 80.

Calling hours will be held 5-7 PM Friday, June 30, 2017 at New Comer Funeral Home, 2636 Ridgeway Ave., Rochester.

Rita R. Shaffer was born December 17, 1936 in Rochester, NY. She was the youngest of three girls born to Raymond and Irene Shaffer. Showing her fighting spirit from the beginning she was born at home and weighed under three pounds. She would tell us “she could fit in a teacup”.

Rita attended the old East High School when it was on Alexander Street. She held a variety of jobs but especially held fond memories of her time working at her family's restaurant the “Donut Center” when it was located on
Main St. near the Eastman Theatre. She also had her heart filled with memories of the many children she cared for in her home, something she loved and was loved for. There were also fond memories of the young people she worked with and people she met while working at Leos Bakery at their old locations on Atlantic Avenue, Monroe Avenue and inside Eastview Mall.

Rita married in 1952 and began her family in 1961 with her daughter, Deborah and son, mark. Rita began a new start with her second husband, Benjure Lewis, his daughter, Linda and they eventually had one more daughter, Tracey. Rita loved being a grandmother. That proud title began in 1971 and, at last count, has grown to hold over 20 grandchildren, adding great and great great-grandchildren as well. Her heart has cherished every smile, every drawing, every picture, every gift and especially every hug given to her from not only her grandchildren but
every child that came into her life.

Her memories of her first plane ride to Florida and the time spent with her family there filled her heart, wishing she had stayed longer. The special memories experienced in the Adirondacks were forever etched in her mind. The numerous picnics and gatherings with those she loved brought many memories and good times. She was fond of being called “Red” and missed many that had passed before her.

Between the many struggles, hardships and heartaches there were good times and laughter. She grew her family into a large and loving one and whether you were related by blood or heart she was the best mom, grandma,
sister, aunt and friend she could ever be.

She was the beloved wife of the late Benjure Lewis. She is remembered with love by her son, Mark Karnes; her daughters, Deborah Karnes, Tracey (Lewis) Diaz her husband, Luis; step-daughter, Linda (Lewis) Barnes and her husband, Bill; Special love to Sandy and Laurie; grandchildren, D’Wayne Karnes, LaShonda Jackson, Mark Karnes Jr, Damien Karnes, Jean Spada, Khristina Hoad, Antonio Diaz, Luis Diaz jr., TaRaysa Diaz, Kelly Diaz, Marcus Diaz, Danny Sierra, Alonda Jones; great grandchildren ; Dwayne Karnes II, Amos Karnes, Joshua Karnes, Ariana Hazzard, TeQuila Hampton, Trayvon Powell, Antonio J. Diaz, Arianna Diaz, Alana Diaz, Crescienzo Diaz, Damien Karnes Jr, Steven Hoad, Kayleigh Hoad, Aubry Hoad, KaLayah Harris, Kearston Harris, Lindsay Spada, Sania Diaz, Alex Diaz, Ruben Diaz; and 6 great great-grandchildren; sisters, Ruby, Leatrice, Dorothy, Marian and June; brothers, Raymond, Lee, Billy, Arthur, Irving and Jeffery; brother-in-law, Joey Vacanti; goddaughter, Leslie McKnight. Special mention to Joseph Saporito, Michael Saporito, Virginia Cellura, Carl Teabout.

Thank you to everyone who holds a memory big or small of Rita in your heart.