Obituary of Rita Anne Lacasse

LACASSE, Rita (nee Boutette) Passed away peacefully with her family by her side on September 3, 2011, the day after her 70th birthday. Dear wife of the late Yvon Lacasse (1980). Companion of Robert Leduc for the past nine years. Beloved mother of Michel (1988), Marc, and Martin (Rosa) Lacasse. Cherished as a stepmother by her sister Claire"s children, Pierre Lacasse (Suzanne), Danielle Istl (Bob), Lise Lacasse (Tom Schultz), and Claudine Lacasse Gomes. Predeceased by her parents Wilfred Boutette (1966) and Margaret Antaya (1972). Will be sadly missed by her grandchildren, Jillian Lacasse and Jimmy Hogan, Anthony (Jenn & Gavin) Istl, Alexandra ("Ally"), Steven, Eric, and Dana Istl, Taylor Meadows, Felicia and Adam Gomes. Treasured sister of Charles Boutette (1960) (Betty), Leo Boutette (2004) (Joyce), Claire Lacasse (1974), Noella Pike (Barry), Paul Boutette (Marion), and Annabelle Carr (Ron 2008). She was a caring sister-in-law to many, but kept Joe Lacasse especially close to her heart for many years. She was a loving aunt to over 50 nieces and nephews, and their children, some of whom she was extremely close to. Rita also had many friends, too numerous to name, to whom she was like a sister. Rita was an outstanding educator for 35 years, beginning her teaching career in Tecumseh in 1960, moving to Montreal for 13 years, then returning to Windsor for the remaining 21 years. She earned her B.A. from the University of Windsor, as well as specialist certificates in English as a second language, French as a second language, special education, and primary methods. She also served as a consultant for the Windsor Separate School Board and the Ontario Ministry of Education. She was best known for her use of puppets in the classroom and amassed a huge collection over the years. Many young children and other educators have had the pleasure of seeing at least one of her countless workshops and puppet shows. She was a true storyteller and her stories will be missed by all. We will also miss her feisty spirit, her smiling eyes, and her joie de vivre. Visiting at the WINDSOR CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME (Banwell Chapel), 519-253-7234, 11677 Tecumseh Rd., ( corner of Banwell & Tecumseh Rd E.) on Wednesday, September 7th, 2011, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM. Parish prayers Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at St. Anne's Church ( 12233 Tecumseh Rd E.) on Thursday, September 8th, 2011, from 10:00 AM until time of Rita's funeral mass at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at St. Anne"s Cemetery, Tecumseh. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rita"s caregivers from CCAC and both Windsor Regional and Hotel-Dieu Hospitals for their kind assistance during her illness. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association or a charity of your choice. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com.