Obituary of Sr. Rita Lavoie

Lavoie, Sister Rita (Rita Regina), formerly Sr. Gemma, entered Eternal Life on July 29, 2021 in Chatham, Ontario.  

She was born in Bircham, Alberta in 1925, the daughter of the late Emereal and Yvonne (Lavergne) Lavoie.  She entered the Ursuline Sisters of Chatham in 1944. 

During those years she served as a teacher in Windsor, Chatham and Toronto, Ontario, Calgary, Alberta and Grayson, Saskatchewan. She was a pastoral assistant in Calgary, Edmonton and Windsor.

She was Directress of Formation for 2 years and on the General Leadership Team for 4 years.  From 1986 to 1993 Sister was a missionary in Jamaica.  On her return to Ontario, she was a residence don and local leader at Brescia University College, London.   From 2001 to 2008 Sister lived in Calgary and eased into retirement.  

Sister moved to Villa Angela in 2008. She is predeceased by Aldora, Wilfred(Fred), Leo, Alice Leyten, Marguerite Heffernan, Viola Tutt, Leona Foisy, Royal, Albert, Theresa Clouthier, Arnold and Helen Haineault.  She is survived by several nieces and nephews. 

Due to COVID restrictions, a private prayer service will be held.  Interment will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. 

Donations in memory of Sister Rita may be made to “Chatham Ursuline Charities Inc.”, 20 Merici Way, Chatham, Ontario N7L 3L8 or to a charity of your choice.

The Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S., Chatham is in charge of arrangements.