Rita M. (Tegda) Powell, 74, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Monday April 7, 2014 at Buffalo General Hospital. Born in Plains, PA she was the daughter of the late Joseph F. and Irene H. (Nemeth) Tegda.

Rita attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School and later completed courses in cosmetology. In 1959, she opened Rita's Beauty Salon in the City Market in Niagara Falls, and operated the salon until 1964. For many years she devoted herself to the care and upbringing of her two children and in 1977 began working at Nabisco in Niagara Falls until 1990. From 1989 until 1996 she operated Rita's Floral Design; and worked with many brides designing bridal veils, center pieces, and other wedding related items. Rita has been working as Recreational Coordinator at the John Duke Senior Center in Niagara Falls for the past seven years. She was also a member of the Democratic Party Committee on both city and county levels, and had the opportunity to meet many politic figures, including former Senator Hillary Clinton. Rita was also a longtime election worker in Niagara Falls, NY. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her family and participating in the many activities of her children and grandchildren.

Rita was predeceased by her husband, Richard Paretto on July 11, 1969, and by her second husband, Frank J. Powell, Jr. on January 15, 2000. Rita is survived by two children, Lisa (Brett) Carruthers and Anthony (Suzanne) Paretto, both of Niagara Falls, NY; five grandchildren, Alexander and Nicholas Carruthers, and Anthony, Michael, and Kaitlyn Paretto; two brothers, Joseph (Gina) Tegda of Las Vegas, NV and William (Irene) Tegda of Lewiston, NY. She was the sister of the late Irene (late Hubert) Gee. Rita was the sister-in-law of Donald (Jane) Paretto of Las Vegas, NV, and the late Rosemary DeFranco, and late Delores Tegda. She is also survived by many godchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be Wednesday 7 – 9 PM and Thursday 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Friday April 11 ^th at 9:15 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.