Rita Marie Malnar

Rita Marie Malnar, 75, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Born on June 1, 1949, in Joliet, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of Michael P. and Marion A. Biegun.

Rita graduated from Providence Catholic High School and went on to dedicate her career to the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway. After retiring, she relocated to McAllen, Texas. Following the passing of her husband in 2015, she moved to to be closer to her daughter’s family—embraced life in Southern California and the joys of travel with her family.

In this next chapter of her life, Rita discovered a love for travel. She found immense joy in cruising, ziplining on tropical islands, strolling along sand and watching sunsets. She welcomed every opportunity to experience something new, meet new people, and live life to its fullest.

Above all, Rita was a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Andrew) Randles, and her cherished grandchildren, Kai and Makena Randles. Her love for them was immeasurable, and she took great pride in watching them grow into remarkable young adults.

She is also survived by her loving siblings: Donna (late Henry) Cadorette and Ronald (Dee) Biegun; her sisters-in-law: Sharon (Clarence) Musch, Dawn (Rick) Arambasich, and Renee (John) Fink; as well as many treasured nieces and nephews.

Rita’s legacy is one of warmth, kindness, and zest for life. Her radiant smile, compassionate heart, and adventurous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She found comfort in her favorite TV shows, laughter in everyday moments, and deep affection for her beloved cat, Bo.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated healthcare providers at UC San Diego Medical Center in La Jolla and Hospice of the North Coast for their compassionate care during Rita’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UC San Diego Health Giving or Hospice of the North Coast, two organizations that were close to Rita’s heart.

As per her wishes , Rita’s ashes will be scattered at sea alongside her late husband at a later date—a final journey to celebrate a life well lived.