It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Sister Rita Desrosiers.
Surrounded by the love of the Grey Nuns and members of her family, Sister Rita Desrosiers went peacefully to meet her Lord and Savior on February 6, 2020.
Besides her Grey Nun community, she leaves to mourn her sister Anna Jolicoeur, her brother Germain (Carmelle), one brother-in-law Gérard Desharnais, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Desneiges and Magloire Desrosiers; three sisters: Orise, pssf, Hortense, and Noella Desharnais; two brothers: Rosaire (Alice) and René (Thérèse); and a brother-in-law Eloi Jolicoeur.
Born in Ste-Anne-des-Chênes, Manitoba on March 8, 1927, Sister Rita was the third child in a family of eight children. Having lost her mother at the age of 12, her father, a man of great faith, did everything he could for the wellbeing of his children.
From grades one to eight, Rita attended the small country school then continued her studies at the Grey Nuns’ convent in Ste-Anne. She was touched by their love for the less fortunate and decided to join them on August 5, 1945.
As a young sister, she was invited to pursue her studies as Licensed Practical Nurse. For the next few years, she worked at Ste-Rose-du-Lac Hospital, Taché Center, Berens River, St. Boniface Sanitorium and St. Amant Centre.
In 1959, Sister Rita welcomed the first children with disabilities at St. Amant Centre. For the next 46 years, Sister Rita devoted herself with love and compassion towards all persons with developmental disabilities. Sister Rita understood their non-verbal communication and shared deeply their joys, sorrows and hopes. With the help of volunteers, she organized prayer groups and catechism classes; for her concern was not only for their physical well-being but also for their spiritual needs.
In January 2014, Sister Rita moved to Actionmarguerite (Taché Center). She continued to welcome with a smile those who cared for her. For those who visited her, she loved to pray with them and blessed them before they left. The staff had only good things to share about Sister Rita. She showed her appreciation and was very cooperative in whatever she was asked to do.
The Funeral Mass for Sister Rita Desrosiers will be celebrated at 151 Despins Street by Father Isaïe Blanchette, omi on February 10, 2020 at 1:30 p.m., preceded by prayers and eulogy at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery on Archibald Street.
The Grey Nuns and family wish to thank the personnel of Actionmarguerite (Taché Centre) for the excellent care given to Sister Rita Desrosiers during her illness.
As published on the Arbor Memorial Website
