Rita P. (Sadowski) “Bapci” Hetel, 89, of Auburn died July 4, 2017 with family by her side.

Rita was born in Worcester daughter of the late Stanislaus and Feliksa (Sobolewski) Sadowski. She graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in Worcester.

Her beloved husband Edward J. “Dziadzi” Hetel died in 1999. She leaves her children Gary Hetel and his wife Penny of Auburn, Steven Hetel of Oxford, Lorraine Swanson and her husband Ken of Grafton and Linda Collins and her husband Bill of Charlton; nine grandchildren Emily, Jillian, Erik, Amanda, Olivia, Nicole, Jamie, Jason and Leah; also many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Stanley Sadowski and his wife Harriet and a sister, Gertrude Zaleski and her husband Ray.

Rita loved life and her first priority was always her children and her grandchildren. She was so proud and never missed a milestone in their lives. The highlight of her days was always a visit or a phone call from one of the kids or grandkids. Rita loved her house and her beautiful yard. She loved to watch Steven cut the lawn. She was so happy when Gary would bring his little dog to visit. She loved to go for rides in the car with Lorraine and was always fed the best meals when she stayed at Linda’s.

Rita worked at Sears for many years, retiring when grandchildren came along. She enjoyed working on puzzles, gardening, knitting, and floating in the pool. She won first prize at the Big E for a rug that she braided several years ago. Rita was also famous for her baked beans. She always enjoyed fresh bulkies and bagels from Water St. on a Sunday morning as well as her rides out to Western MA with Eddy. You can be certain Rita and Ed are together again in heaven doing a polka.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rita’s family on Friday July 14, 2017 from 5-7 pm in the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central St, Auburn. Her funeral will be on Saturday July 15, 2017 with a funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford St North, Auburn. Burial will be private at a later date in Hope Cemetery, Worcester.