Rita Parrish

Rita Catherine Izzo Parrish passed away at her Glen Ellyn home on July 1, 2026. Born in Chicago to Joe and Theresa Izzo on April 10, 1936, Rita attended St. Angela’s in Oak Park, Trinity High School and graduated from Loyola Chicago in 1958. Rita taught in Chicago public schools in the 1960s and then enjoyed her favorite job in the office at Glenbard West High School until she retired in 1990.

Rita Parrish was kind, keen, curious and passionately absorbed the world around her at her own pace. She was an avid reader of books, magazines and newspapers – in fact, we do believe she read everything, and we have the clippings to prove it.  Rita traveled all over the world from Paris to Thailand and was always looking forward to the next adventure. New York City was her favorite destination. A consummate foodie, it was a pleasure to witness Rita enjoying an excellent meal and not a pleasure when she did not. She loved television and film and was eager to share recommendations and her thoughts about her viewing experiences. Since she was a teenager, Rita was a diehard fan of the Chicago Cubs and suffered dearly for that – but persevered in her support over the decades and was able to witness the World Series win in 2016. She also fretted over the Bears since the 1970s. Glen Ellyn-ites may remember the tiny woman who organized the Glen Ellyn party bus to Soldier Field for 15 years. There was nothing more thrilling than sitting with Rita in the most excellent seats at Wrigley Field and Soldier Field, rain, snow, or shine.

We can safely say that Rita was perhaps the greatest, most appreciative audience member of concerts and theater – attending hundreds of plays and shows in her lifetime. Her infamous collection of Playbill theater programs dating from 1955 adorn her walls at 297 Spring Avenue in Glen Ellyn. She dug rock and roll since its inception and Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand were two of her favorite artists. She was open to new music and was always up for a concert. Fond memories include dancing alongside David and Kristen at Grateful Dead shows and seeing the Stones with Chip (not dancing) at Soldier Field in 1997.

Rita cared for her family and friends more than anything in the world. She was very involved in her grandchildren’s lives, traveling to other states over the years to attend events and graduations. She was the “best friend and confidante” to many friends and family members and will be missed dearly for her charm, her smile, her hospitality, and her bright, carefree spirit.

Grateful to share her life: son Chip (Mary Granado) Parrish, daughter Kristen (Tim) Schadeberg, daughter-in-law Caitlin O’Neill, grandchildren Tessa Lueth, Nora (Matt) La Fronz, Alec Parrish, Anna Lueth, Sydney (Hunter Smith) Parrish, Grace Parrish, Tom Parrish, Andrew Parrish, great-grandchildren Isabella, Luca, Lilly, her cousins, and many nieces and nephews. Her dear friends Kym Castro and Dean Lehmann were angels in her life these past several years.

Rita is preceded in death by her husband Chuck, her parents, brother Joe Izzo, son David Parrish, son-in-law John Lueth, and daughter-in-law Debbie Parrish. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Comfort Keepers and Residential Hospice.

Rita knew how to live well and live well she did! She cared for all of her family and friends with fierce dedication and loved you all.

Condolences: Rita Parrish Family c/o Kristen Schadeberg, 817 Olympic Drive, Onalaska, WI 54650.  Memorials: Glen Ellyn Public Library GEPL.org, 400 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Rita’s Celebration of Life of Life will take place on Friday October 23 from 3-6 pm at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse, 645 Lenox Road in Glen Ellyn.  

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