Rita Jean Dougher Jurkowski, 88, of the Presbyterian Home and formerly of Sauquoit and Utica, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2017. Rita was born April 3, 1928 in Utica, the youngest of five children of the late James and Nellie Dougher. She received her education at St. Patrick's Grammar School and Utica Free Academy. Rita married her childhood sweetheart Thomas Jurkowski on September 15, 1950, a blessed union of 54 years until his death in April 2005. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish and completed the Formation of Ministry Program for the Diocese of Syracuse in 1987. She was certified to teach religion and taught for many years and found great joy in teaching the First Sacrament Program. Rita was a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Altar Society, Shut in Liturgies and Bereavement Ministry of Sacred Heart Church. She also belonged to the Nocturnal Adoration, Legion of Mary and CSJ Associates. For 17 years Rita was employed with International Computers Limited (ICL) as a technician in development. Rita is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Bob Graham, of Verona, two sons and daughters-in-law, Kim and Lynn Jurkowski, of Havre-De Grace, MD, and Gary and Barbara Jurkowski, of Sauquoit, eight grandchildren, Kelly Williams and husband, Shaun, of TX, Misty Jurkowski, of Utica, Eric Graham and wife, Danielle, of Fayetteville, NY, Kara Jurkowski, of MD, Kristin Jurkowski, of NJ, Michael Jurkowski, of MD, Gary Jurkowski, of VA and Erika Jurkowski, of Mechanicsville, NY. eight great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Jeanne Jurkowski, of Utica and many nieces and nephews. Rita was predeceased by two sisters, Theresa Baksa and Ann Nicolette and two brothers James and Lee Dougher. Mrs. Jurkowski's funeral will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 9:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 10:00 from the Church of The Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa, New York Mills. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday from 4-7. Those so wishing may make donations to Central Association of The Blind and Visually Impaired.