Rita "Joy" Tintera (née Blaha) ,age 95, of St. Charles, Illinois, peacefully passed away at home on February 28, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, and enduring love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George; her siblings Richard, Robert, and Mary Ann; and her parents, Edward and Emily. She held their memory close, finding joy and gratitude in the family and life God had entrusted to her.

She is lovingly survived by her thirteen children: Diane (James) Jordan, Michael (Vicki) Tintera, Patricia (Michael) Witek, Steven (Deborah) Tintera, Julie Tintera, Gregory (Gabrielle) Tintera, Amy (Russel) Grande, Paul (Kathy) Tintera, Joanne (Wayne) Uvodich, Lynn (Michael) Wandersee, Jennifer (Gary) Sherwood, Lori (Ryan) Smith, and Daniel (Lindsay) Tintera; along with more than 70 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Each generation stands as a living testimony to the love she poured so faithfully into her family and the prayers she lifted daily on their behalf.

At 95 years old, she remained what she had always been — gentle, kind, loving, and remarkably patient. She very rarely raised her voice and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Her life beautifully reflected the words of 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 — "Love is patient, love is kind…" — a scripture she did not merely read, but lived each day.

When asked how she wished to be remembered, she simply said, "I want to leave a legacy of love." And she did. She often praised God for her children, saying they had made her life beautiful. Nothing brought her greater joy than seeing her family gathered together.

She was a devoted woman of faith. Until she was no longer physically able, her mornings began the same way: sitting at her kitchen table with a cup of coffee, her Bible open before her, and her well-worn, rather extensive prayer list beside her. She faithfully prayed for her family each day.  Her prayers were her ministry, and her family was her greatest calling.

Her life was a testament to steadfast faith, quiet strength, and unconditional love. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the generations who "rise up and call her blessed."

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Fellowship Church, 28 W 240 North Ave, West Chicago, IL 60185.

Memorials may be directed to St Jude's Hospital or the A.S.P.C.A.

"Children's children are a crown to the aged," (Proverbs 17:6)  and her crown was full and beautiful.