L'Anse- Rita Svea Saari, age 66 former Ishpeming resident passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at the Bayside Village Nursing Center in L'Anse.

Rita was born October 25, 1941 in Clarksburg Location- Ely Twp, to John R. & Effie (Kangas) Tornberg. Rita was a member of the Ishpeming Salvation Army. She worked at the H.W. Gossard Company as a seamstress. Rita enjoyed gardening, the outdoors and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren.

Rita is survived by 3 children: Raymond (Betty Malman) Peterson of L'Anse, Randy Peterson of Wisconsin and Rita Britton of Wisconsin, a brother Thor (Susan) Tornberg and a sister Jean Isaacson both of Ishpeming, 6 grandchildren: Beth Peterson, Chelsea Verran, Alyssa Verran, Cierra Britton, Zoe Britton and Penelope Britton and several nieces, nephews & friends. Rita was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers Thor and John.

A memorial service will be held 12:00noon. Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating.

The family will greet friends on Saturday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home from 11:00a.m. until the time of service at 12:00noon.

Rita's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where her guest book may be signed.