Rita Charak

Rita Skott Charak born on May 7, 1938, passed away on June 13, 2026, in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Rita was the beloved wife and best friend of the late Ira Charak Z”L for 64 wonderful years; loving mother of David and Jonathan (Lara Kirts), cherished “Bubbe” of Hannah and Abigail, sister of Sharon (the late Alan) Koening, Ivan (Lanee) Skott, Patricia Skott, Myron (Cathy) Skott and the late Mildred Pollack, dear sister in-law of the late Sheila Jensen, much loved aunt of many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Rita was born in Atlanta, Georgia and went to Henry Grady High School. In 1958 Rita earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Emory University and began working as a classroom teacher in the Chicago area. In 1982 she received a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Illinois Chicago, and from that point forward worked in school settings counseling children until her retirement in the late 1990s. Rita lived a life of service to others including as a member of the Oak Park Temple Sisterhood and as a generous donor to many charities and political organizations. She loved sewing and knitting items for family members, a talent she learned from her mother. Always a music and theater lover, Rita frequently attended plays and performances by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She loved to travel and did so often with her late husband, sons, and siblings. She visited destinations all over the world, including Israel, Egypt, China, France, Australia, and Turkey, and she visited every state—except North Dakota. Most of all she adored her family and spending time with them. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ark, www.arkchicago.org. Chapel service Tuesday, June 16, 10 AM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment to follow at Shalom Memorial Park. For a link to view the service, shiva information, and to leave condolences: www.shalommemorial.org, 847-255-3520.

---

Service Information

Service : Tuesday, June 16th at 10:00 am
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights