It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Rita Doreen Lauzon (nee Chicarelli) (or Cherry as she was affectionately known by loved ones) on Saturday, November 23, 2024 in her 90th year.
Rita was a friend to hundreds, a mentor to dozens and admired and respected by everyone who came in contact with her. Over the course of her life, Rita fought through various health issues and managed seemingly impossible recoveries until the final diagnosis of pneumonia that took her from us.
Rita was the daughter of the late Sarah and late Angelo Chicarelli. She was the celebrated mother of Bernard Jr. "Bernie", Catherine Lauzon (Reginald Pelletier), Karen Morettin (Joseph), and Carol Lauzon (Kenneth). Adored grandmother of 7 grandchildren Jessica (Marchie), Cameron, Tyson, Diamyn (Mitch), Sarah, Michelle, Joey (Chelsi), Nadia, Chris, Mike and Nicholas. Great-grandmother of 6, Alysha (Jake), Sonya, Anthony, Sierra, Nathan and Sadaya. Blessed great-great grandmother of 3, Jace and Addison and the late Aubree. Dear sister of Irene Scali (late John), late Eva Thibodeau (late Henry), late Velma Fregonese (late Oscar), late Ron Chicarelli (late Ingrid), the late Anna Fera (late Tony) and Sandra Cook (late Charlie). She will be missed by her sister-in-law, Frida Lauzon (late Henry) and Anne-Marie Sarazin (Maurice). She will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and especially her niece Shannon and nephew Mitchell.
Rita met the love of her life when she was just 16 years old. Together, Rita and Bernie created a world full of love, fun and laughter. They were not always of ‘like mind’, and it was common to see 2 political party signs on the front lawn and differing opinions in their conversations. Rita was a small woman with a big heart. She was often the loudest voice in the room and always had to have the last word!
Rita was a fabulous storyteller and could charm any crowd with her embellished prose. She was feisty and stubborn, she loved to create great meals and have many sit at her table. She was a beautiful soul who lived life to the fullest. Rita left this world knowing that she was loved by so many. We expect that right now, she is in her heels, on healthy legs and dancing with her beloved Bernie, who has been waiting for his perfect dance partner for the past 11 years. The final departure of team Rita and Bernie from this world, leaves us with an unfillable void and yet there is comfort in the many memories that they left us. They will forever reside in our hearts.
The family deeply appreciates your thoughts and support during this difficult time. A special thank you to the March of Dimes for the friendship and care that you showed Rita at each visit.
Friends and family are invited to gather at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522) on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Funeral service will take place in the Chapel on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11:00 am with Rev. Helen Smith officiating. Friends are invited to view the service online and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days, go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Rita's name. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable by cheque or online to the March of Dimes whose care and support allowed Rita to continue to live independently in her home until the end. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Lauzon family.
In honour of Rita, let’s raise a glass or a mug and say cheers in appreciation for her example of living life out loud and celebrate her fervour for life. In the words of Frank Sinatra, Rita truly “Did it Her Way”!