Sebastian, Rita HamerlaRita Hamerla Sebastian, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, July 21, 2017. She was born on May 10th, 1931 in Wausau, WI to Valentine Hamerla and Martha Knippel. Rita graduated from Wausau Senior High School in 1949. She went on to study Social Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Wausau. She then worked for the Wausau Daily Record-Herald newspaper for several years and later received her real estate license. Rita was involved in a variety of community activities including the Madison Community Symphony Orchestra, Our Lady Queen of Peace Choir, Sun Prairie Civic Theater, and served on the board for West Madison Little League youth sports. She was an active member of the choir at St Peter church for over 30 years. Rita also enjoyed roller-skating, skiing, and gardening. Rita especially enjoyed meeting and getting to know people and made friends wherever she went. Rita is survived by her grandchildren Nina Sebastian, Matt Sebastian, and Kelli Lamphere; her sister Claire (Tony) Statz; brother in law Tom Skinner; daughter in law Tracy Seyfert; nieces Julie (Bill) Skinner-Mott, Katie (Don) Fritz, Jean Skinner, Becky (Wes) Roessler, Cathy (Tom Pamperin) Statz, and Christine (Nick) Hamele; nephews Steve Skinner, Steve (Angie) Statz, and Len Statz and many other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents Valentine and Martha Hamerla; sister Mary Skinner; sons John Valentine Sebastian and John "Big Brother Angel" Sebastian; and nephew Louis Statz.Funeral Services will be held at St Peter Catholic Church, 5001 North Sherman Avenue, Madison, on Wednesday, August 2nd at 11:00AM. The visitation will be held before the service at St Peter Catholic Church at 10:00AM. Please visit http://www.informedchoicefunerals.com/obituaries/190524/Rita-Sebastian/ for full obituary and additional information.