HERKIMER: Rita M. Governski, age 86, a lifelong Herkimer resident, passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown. At the time of her passing, she had the love and support of her son and daughter at her side. She was born on October 6, 1924, in Herkimer, the daughter of the late Louis and Fannie (Paestello) Ortello. Rita graduated from Herkimer High School and attended the Utica School of Business. She was married to Joseph J. Governski who passed away on December 31, 1996. Rita engaged in many special activities; as she enjoyed woodworking, stripping and refinishing her home to its natural form and she was the interior and exterior scraper and painter of the family. She truly enjoyed the outdoors, pruning her shrubs and trees. She loved playing piano. In previous years, she volunteered along with her late husband, at the Mohawk Homestead conducting a Follow-Along Musical Exercise Program which provided musical enjoyment for the patients. Rita created handmade "Glad" cards for people medically or psychologically challenged by life's events. Her husband Joe was a prolific provider of potential recipients. Rita's viewpoints during the 70's and 80's were often to be found in the Herkimer Telegram. It didn't matter whether it was local or world events, she had an opinion to be voiced! The true love of her life was her family, as the mother, grandmother; Aunt Rita Governski's pride knew no bounds. Her family loved her and her humorous and loving ways will always be cherished. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Governski of Herkimer; her son, Joseph and wife Deborah Governski of Georgia; grandsons, Joseph and wife Meryl and Samuel and wife Sarah Governski; special nephew, Donald Rasmussen and special cousins, Millie Lukomski and Nick Macrina. Her funeral will commence on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. from Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, Main Street, Herkimer, NY where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Reverend Thomas Lawless, Pastor. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, where she will be laid to rest. There will be no public calling hours. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, NY 13350, 315-866-1011, under the direction of Harry J. Enea, Funeral Director. Memorial contributions can be made in Rita's honor to: Help Hospitalized Veterans, 36585 Penfield Lane, Winchester, CA 92596. Envelopes will be available at the church.