Rita Barbara (Dodaro) Dubravec, 80, of Steelton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 with her loving children by her side. Rita was born July 30, 1946 and was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony R. Dodaro Sr. and Margaret C. Zuvich, and her husband of 55 years John M. Dubravec.

Rita graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School in 1964. She started her career in various retail positions before transitioning to being a stay-at-home mom. She re-entered the work force at Starsinic Appraisal Service Inc. and ended her career at PSECU as a VISA claims analyst. She retired after 25 years of service.

Rita was a member of St. Aloysius Lodge #42 of the American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ) and served on the lodge's executive board, coordinated many social events and fundraisers for the society. She was also a member of St. Lawrence Lodge #13 of the Croatian Fraternal Union (CFU). She devoted many hours to the former St. Peter’s Slovenian Parish, until it’s closing and was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, both in Steelton.

On August 3, 1968, Rita married the love of her life, John. Rita and John loved to entertain family and friends at their home. Their annual Christmas Eve open house was legendary and the many parties and picnics held at their home became a part of the fabric of the couple’s inner circle. Her home was always a welcoming place filled with good food, laughter, and love.

Rita was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandsons supporting them in their every endeavor. Rita enjoyed being surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors during the holidays or for any reason at all. She was the caregiver of her family, making sure everyone was well fed, taken care of, and happy.

Beyond the love of her family, Rita was actively involved in volunteering at her church and fraternal societies. She was well known for her cooking and baking skills, making traditional cultural foods like Sarma and cheese strudel for various events and family gatherings. Rita had a passion for all animals but particularly dogs and cats. She often nursed strays and wild animals back to health, with many becoming family pets.

Rita liked to crochet, do puzzles, garden, and was an avid football fan cheering for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Bishop McDevitt Crusaders. Rita’s sassy attitude often was displayed in her playful teasing of people and her wry sense of humor.

She is survived by her son, Mark (Lisa Perrin) Dubravec, daughter, Jennifer (Eugene) Rhoads; grandchildren, Gregory (Mackayla) Rhoads, Petty Officer 2nd Class Karl "Dylan" (Emma) Rhoads, Maggie (Westin) Kolaric, Micah Dubravec, Melina Dubravec, great-grandsons Heath Rhoads and Matthew Kolaric, sisters Monica Och (Marcus) and Carol Crago, and brother, Anthony Dodaro Jr., and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Prince of Peace-Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 815 S. Second Street, Steelton with Rev. Matthew Larlick, her Pastor, as Celebrant. A visitation will be held prior to the mass on Tuesday from 10-11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace church. Private burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Wiedeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Oberlin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110, humanesocietyhbg.org or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.