23.05.1938 – 25.08.2023, aged 85yrs. Beloved wife of the late Benjamin (Penetito) Tuwhakaea-Clark, married in November 1956, in Tamahere. Together for 23 years and apart for 44 years. Survived by eight children, Clarey (late), Ron, Larrie, Jen, Trevor, Ben, Rex, Nadika, and Rita, four daughters-in-law and one son-in-law. Beloved grandmother of fifteen mokos and seventeen great-mokos. Rita raised a family of nine children on her own for 44 years instilling, her resolute tenacity and independence, and a never-give-in attitude to overcome any challenges in life. A founding member, a staunch and vocal supporter of the Melville Rugby League Club formed in Hamilton, in 1981. Mum loved her sport and was always there for her family through every gain, pain, win and loss. She raised us all to be strong with iron determination and the guts to succeed. Mum, died peacefully in her sleep, in the palliative care of Edmund Hillary Retirement Village, Remuera, after a brief period of health issues. Much loved and sadly missed by all our family and friends, remembered forever. A Service and reception will be held at 10.30 am, Tuesday 29 August at Dils North Harbour Chapel, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, North Shore Albany, Auckland.