Rita Josephine Lavoie

Rita Josephine (née Barnes) -

Rita passed peacefully July 21st, 2017 in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of Lawrence William Richard Lavoie (predeceased), and beloved mother of Michelle (Maxi), William (Dawn) (predeceased), and Lynn Tellier (predeceased). Beloved grandmother to Suzanne Hennig, Scott Sadler (Petra), Tammy-Lynn and Dennis Tellier, Amber Murray (James), Candice and William Lavoie. Beloved great grandmother to Alexandra Hennig, Erika Hennig and Mckenzie Beckett. Beloved sister to Joan Luther (Sid) and predeceased by three sisters: Grace, Margaret and Bella and five brothers: Cyril, Kenneth, Archibald, Leonard, and Vincent. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Ennismore on July 31st at 10 am to celebrate Rita’s life. A reception will follow at St. Martin’s Parish with inurnment at Rosemount Memorial Gardens at 1 pm. Charitable donations can be made to Community Care.

Rita lived life. The lady never said ‘no’, always waiting for the next opportunity to try something new or go out with friends for dinners and shopping trips. She inspired many with her will and feistiness, courageous in the way she lived life on her terms (even at 91!). Rita loved gardening and could often be found watering in the early morning or standing with a thoughtful gaze, hands on hips, surveying her many flowers and vegetables. She loved sharing this passion with others, passing along seeds or bulbs, and often giving a little advice to anyone who would listen. Rita’s wisdom often came through in the stories she would tell about her life with her family. She was a keeper of her family’s oral history, often recounting times as a child with her brothers and sisters in the Great Depression and war time in Canada. An undeniable focus of her stories was her early days with her husband Bill and their young family, building homes and a life in view of Lake Chemong. Rita wanted to pass along her knowledge to her three children (William, Lynn and Michelle), seven grandchildren (Suzanne, Scott, Tammy-Lynn, Dennis, Amber, Candice and William) and three great grandchildren (Alexandra, Erika, and Mckenzie) sharing her life experiences, especially when it came to baking, crocheting, gardening, and goodness knows, cooking. Her wisdom may only be surpassed by her love and enthusiasm for her family. Rita nurtured and supported her family as many tribute stories included here will demonstrate. One example, amongst so many, was her relationship with her daughter, Michelle. Rita was the “best mother” Michelle could have ever had, supporting and encouraging her in everything she did. Rita’s unwavering enthusiasm and joy has been Michelle’s touchstone. Rita touched many people with her generosity and spirit – she will be deeply missed and forever cherished.