Newsletter Edition: Spring 2025
Rita Streimer, a beloved member of the California State University, Northridge (CSUN) community and a dedicated figure in the world of quilting, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Rita’s legacy is one of loyalty, creativity, and service, touching the lives of many through her art, teaching, and steadfast support of the University Library.
A Life Dedicated to Art and Education
Rita's passion for art and teaching was evident throughout her life. A retired teacher, Rita specialized in English as a Second Language (ESL) and quiltmaking, sharing her craft with countless students in the Adult Education Division of LAUSD, Glendale Community College, and Pierce College. Rita’s journey as an artist evolved over the years, from her early work in painting and collage to her mastery of fabric and art quilts. Holding both a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and a Master’s degree in Art Education from Brooklyn College, Rita continually explored and honed her artistic vision, creating works that spoke to her deep understanding of form, color, and texture.
Rita’s artistic pursuits were not confined to her own work. As a teacher, she inspired and nurtured the talents of many, including Maureen Gohstand, one of her quilting students, who fondly recalls Rita's timeless advice: “Don’t worry so much about color. Think in terms of value—light and dark; strong pattern or small pattern.” Her teachings inspired students, guiding them not just in quilting, but in embracing the joy of the creative process.
A Lifelong Commitment to CSUN and the Library
Rita was connected to CSUN not only through her husband, Irv Streimer, a former professor in the Psychology Department, but also through her unwavering commitment to the University Library. As a member of the Friends of the Library since 2011, Rita served as president for many years, playing a key role in the creation of the Friends of the Library Bookstore under Dean Sue Curzon. Her dedication to the library was evident in both her leadership and her generosity, including the donation of her quilt, Pick up Sticks, now displayed on the third floor of the University Library.
A Generous Spirit and Loving Family
Rita’s life was not only marked by her contributions to art and education but by her deep devotion to her family. She was a loving mother to two daughters, Laura and Roberta, and a cherished grandmother to two grandchildren. Her eldest daughter, Laura, fondly remembers her as an incredible mother who taught her to believe that “anything is possible.” Rita’s ability to balance the demands of family, art, and teaching was a testament to her strength and perseverance.
Throughout her life, Rita also had a special relationship with her quilting students, many of whom followed her example of giving back to the community. Laura recently donated two rooms full of quilting supplies and fabric to Quilting for Community (Q4C), a nonprofit organization in the San Fernando Valley that provides opportunities for individuals to learn quilting and donate quilts to local hospices, hospitals, and shelters. Rita’s students, inspired by her generosity, continue her work of supporting others through the art she loved.
A Remarkable Legacy
As a teacher, artist, and community member, Rita Streimer touched the lives of many. Whether through her guidance in the classroom, her creative quilts, or her tireless support of the CSUN library, Rita’s impact is immeasurable. Her family, friends, and students will forever remember her not only for her artistic gifts but for her fierce loyalty, her generosity, and her ability to inspire others to pursue their own passions.
Rita’s passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew her, but her legacy will continue through the countless quilts she made, the lessons she taught, and the many lives she touched with her kindness and creativity.
Rita is survived by her daughters, Laura and Roberta; her grandchildren, Hanna and Max; and a beloved family of animal grand-babies. She is also remembered by her many quilting students, the Friends of the Library, and the CSUN community, all of whom will continue to honor her memory by carrying forward the values of creativity, service, and generosity that she embodied throughout her life.