Rita T. Cortese, 67, of Bernice St., died Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at Ellis Hospital, after a long illness. Rita was born in Milton, VT, and moved to Schenectady as a child. She was a graduate of Linton High School and Ellis School of Nursing. She had worked at Ellis Hospital for five years, Heritage Home for five years and several other health related facilities in the capital district. She was a former member of the Ladies of the Moose #251, VFW Post #895 and Ladies of the Elks Auxiliary Lodge #2157. Rita is survived by her husband, Phillip C. Cortese. They married in 1982. She is survived by two sons, James D. (Patricia Bond) Rogers of Schenectady and Michael D. Rogers of Rotterdam; one stepdaughter, Vicki Cortese of Catskill; six grandchildren, Michael Rogers II, Mark and Jason Frederico, Kevin Durante and Dustin and Heather Cortese. She was predeceased by her daughter and stepdaughter, Joann Frederico and Elizabeth Cortese. Funeral service, Tuesday morning, 9:45 at the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. Calling hours Monday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment, Park View Cemetery, Schenectady. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society , 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211