Rita Marczak (Villiard), 61, of Fond du Lac Park in Duluth, MN, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025.

Born on November 6, 1963, to Mary Louise and Leon Villiard, Rita grew up with a strong sense of family, which remained at the heart of her life. Weekends when her children were young were often for visiting relatives, sometimes unplanned or unexpected, and these spontaneous trips created fond memories for her children of their great aunts, uncles, and cousins. Being present for her nieces and nephews was also extremely important to her, and she cherished every moment spent nurturing family connections.

Rita shared a deep and enduring love with her husband, Timothy Marczak. Together they navigated life’s challenges hand in hand, embodying the truest sense of “through sickness and in health.” Timothy loved Rita fiercely, and their bond was a source of strength, laughter, and devotion throughout their life together.

Nearly thirteen years ago, Rita was diagnosed with a rare form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). She faced her diagnosis with courage and determination, ultimately beating that cancer. In time, she learned that she had developed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), another rare and difficult form of cancer. True to her nature, she met that battle head-on—with quiet strength, humor, and an unwavering will to keep moving forward for her family.

Rita was a devoted mother and grandmother. She played an integral role in raising her grandchildren, often quietly working behind the scenes to ensure they were cared for, nurtured, and supported. Her children and her grandchildren were the center of her heart.

Rita’s life was full of ups and downs, and she faced struggles that tested her strength. She made mistakes along the way, but always tried to do her best, providing for her family in the ways she knew how. She carried the weight of knowing that others’ expectations could sometimes never be met, yet she persevered with resilience, love, and determination.

Her story also held moments of humor and mischievousness. The youngest of her siblings, she tormented them relentlessly—recently sharing stories that included hiding a dead crow in her sister’s bed.

Rita is survived by her children Tanya (Ben), Jennifer, Derek (Marissa), Joseph, and Sarah; grandchildren Tearzhae, Darius, Kail, Adylan, Leon, Acassiah, Dezire, Jemma, Jagger, and Jericho; and siblings MaryAnn (Bruce) Blacketter, Crystal (Chris) Randall, Teddy Marczak, and Luke (Mary) Marczak. She was preceded in death by her parents Leon Villiard and Mary Louise Villiard; husband Timothy Marczak; brother Archie Villiard; and sister Nora Breems.

A service will be held at Renew Church Duluth, 521 131st Ave West, Duluth, MN, on October 25, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Rita’s memory.