Rita Mae Goelz Vuljoin

Rita Mae Goelz Vuljoin Rita Mae Goelz Vuljoin, age 92, native of New Orleans, Louisiana and current resident of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away surrounded by her loving family on December 16, 2024. Rita was born on July 21, 1932, to Francis and Pearl Kessling Goelz in New Orleans, Louisiana. Rita grew up in the 9th Ward. She married Stephen Vuljoin Jr. on December 22, 1949 and moved to Hammond, Louisiana in 1996. Rita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an active member over the years at Our Lady of Divine Providence, Metairie, Louisiana, St. Margaret Queen of Scotland, Albany, Louisiana and later a Parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Rita was an active member in several ministries over the years such as the Rosary Alter Society, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and Women’s Ministry. Rita was a devoted to the Blessed Mother and prayed the Rosary daily and called on the Blessed Mother continuously when in need of Our Lady’s help. Rita loved working in her yard, sewing, cooking, putting puzzles together, and caring for her husband (Steve) and family. Rita is survived by her children, Gilbert Vuljoin (Mary), Cheryl Giarrusso (Billy deceased), Stephanie Reggio (Scott), Martin Vuljoin (Peggy) and Mary Robichaux (Mike Barthel); grandchildren, Jeremy Vuljoin (Nicole), Lauren Lopino (Joe), Zack Vuljoin, Melissa Spansel (Kevin), Becky Smith (Jim), Amy Palmisano (Trey), Trey Giarrusso (Margaret), Scott Reggio (Kim), Ian Reggio (Kayla), Katie Sabella (Sammy), Tori Keys (Anthony), Sarah St. Martin (Phillip), Emily Earls (Ranui), Ethan Vuljoin (Riley), Hunter Vuljoin, Kaitlyn Bixby (Tyler); great-grandchildren, Jackson, Claire, Lily, Joey, Emma, Ainsley, Wyatt, Tatum, Egan, Embry, Eliza, Easton, Avery, Dominic, Blakely, Kamdyn, Karsyn, Emmitt, Noah, Camille, Damon, Sal, Allie, Luca, Vinny, Sonny, Frankie, Norah, Natalie, Caroline, Benjamin, Olivia, Matilda, Margot, and 3 unborn great grandchildren; and with many nieces and nephews as well as her brother Frank Goelz Jr. (Margaret). Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Joseph Vuljoin, Jr.; her parents, Francis and Pearl Goelz; siblings, Edward Goelz, Fredrick Goelz, Lorraine Goelz, Jessie Maxson Chase, and Mae Kinler. PONCHATOULA, LA. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Visitation from the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 255 N 8th St, Ponchatoula, LA. on Monday, December 23, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. until the start of the Rosary at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m., with interment to be held in Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans for 1:00 p.m.

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Rita Mae Goelz Vuljoin

July 21, 1932 - December 16, 2024