Rita Polaster, 96, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Saturday July 7, 2012 at Elderwood Healthcare at Crestwood in Wheatfield, NY. Born in Calabria, Italy she was the daughter of the late John and Maria (Grimaldi) Ruffolo.

Rita came to the Niagara Falls area as a child with her family and attended local schools. She worked at the Canning Company in Model City, NY where she met her future husband Joseph Polaster. They married in 1935 at Our Lady Rosary Church in Niagara Falls. Mr. Polaster predeceased her on Decemeber 11, 1993. Rita was later employed at the former Nabisco Shredded Wheat Company in Niagara Falls, NY. She then worked at Louie's Restaurant located at Prospect Point in Niagara Falls and Millie's Doughnut Shop in LaSalle. Rita's life was centered around her family. She especially enjoyed baking and cooking for her family and friends.

Mrs. Polaster is survived by her son, Joseph A. Polaster of Niagara Falls, NY. She was predeceased by her two daughters Patricia Arraiz and Carolyn (late Robert) Leo. Rita is survived by her grandchildren Shari (James) Payne, Lisa (Keith) Wittman, Deanna (Michael) DiFilippo, James Leo, Karen Leo and Jason Leo; great-grandchildren James, Anthony, Trisha, Amanda, Samantha, Olivia and one great-great-granddaughter Kaelyn; one sister Jean ( late Paul) Ross formerly of Niagara Falls, NY and her loving friend Arlene at Crestwood. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mrs. Polaster was also predeceased by her three sisters Amelia 'Mary' (late Massimo) Cloquel, Adeline (late Nicholas) LeSacchi, Gilda (late Paul) Messina and one brother Anthony (late Nellie) Ruffolo.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Unit #1 at Elderwood Healthcare at Crestwood for the loving care and support extended to their mother and grandmother over the past eight years.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday July, 10th at 10:00 AM in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th St. and Independence Ave., with Rev. Duane Klizek, officiating, and also to attend the committal service in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Flowers are graciously declined. Memorial offerings may be made to a charity of one's choice. ARRANGEMENTS BY M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road Niagara Falls, NY 14304.