Rita Joan (Buziak) Tarr

Rita Joan Tarr (Buziak), 95, a lifelong resident of South Bend, IN until 2019, passed away on April 6, 2026, in Rochester, MI.

Rita was born on April 23, 1930, in South Bend, to the late Alex and Blanche Buziak. On September 5, 1953, Rita married the love of her life, George J. Tarr, and had forty-two wonderful years together before he preceded her in death. Along with her parents and loving husband, Rita is preceded by her brothers, Clem Buziak, Barnard Buziak and Val Buziak and sister Genevieve Dyszkiewicz.

Rita leaves behind her children, Kenneth (Joyce McDonald), Thomas (Rob Woronoff) and Kimberly (David Calcutta) and her beloved grandsons, Anthony and Michael.

Rita is also survived by her brother, Chester Buziak (Maria) and nephews, Carl Dyszkiewicz (Jane) and Paul Dyszkiewicz (Pat) and nieces and nephews.

Rita was a lifelong resident of South Bend, until 2019 when she moved to Rochester, MI to be closer to her children. She was a devoted member of the Sisters’ Auxiliary and Rosary Society of St. Adalbert’s Parish. Rita enjoyed traveling, visiting with her children and grandchildren, and playing bingo with her sister and friends. Rita and her friends knew all the places for free bingo that served free coffee and donuts and gave the best prizes. Rita worked for Notre Dame Dining Services, serving lunch for the Quarterback Club on Fridays before a Notre Dame home football game. She was amazed by the quantity of food the football players ate. Rita loved to bake; pies, cookies and sweets of any kind were her love language. If there was a family function, Rita was bringing the dessert which made people incredibly happy. Her most special and favorite time was playing Kings in the Corner with her grandsons. She tirelessly cared for George during his time of illness, always putting his needs first.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am Friday, May 8, 2026, at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church, 2505 West Grace Street, South Bend, IN, with a one-hour visitation prior to the mass in the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Rita Joan Tarr may be made out to St. Adalbert’s Church and Center for Hospice Care.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.