It is with profound sadness, the family of Rita Marie Blanche Paquette shares her passing on August 10, 2024, surrounded by family at Princess Court.
Arriving June 4, 1931, Rita was the eighth child (predeceased by her unborn sibling) of eleven born to Philias and Roseanna Landry in Pinewood, Ontario. As a young lady, she helped run her parents lumber camp on Lake of the Woods. At just 17 years old, Rita married Andre Paquette on June 8, 1948 in Pinewood, before moving to Dryden shortly after the birth of their first son. In addition to raising her seven children, Rita found pride in working outside the home. She worked in the laundry department at the Dryden Red Cross Hospital, as a tree planter and then a tree picker at the Dryden Tree Nursery. Later, she sold fabric at Stylerite, until the department was closed. She continued in fabric sales at Cadarios until her retirement. Once her children were grown, she served her community as a member of the Royal Order of the Moose and the Catholic Women’s League.
Rita was a talented seamstress, knitter, cook and baker. Macaroons will forever be known as “Shit Cookies” to her family. Summers were preferably spent at the family island on Thunder Lake, watching her grandchildren grow and make memories. Rita also loved to travel, spending many hours by bus across Canada and the United States.
Rita was predeceased by her parents, her siblings; Mathilda, Adelard, Adrien, Moise, Antonio, Maurice, Denis and Roger, her husband Andre and daughter Lauraine Doherty.
She is survived by siblings Andy Landry (Sharon), and Laurette Rivard (Gary), children; Claude (Sharon), Giselle Alexander (Randy), Annette Neil, Michel, Edmond (Susan), Suzanne Zoccole (Russ), 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Dr. Cortens for his exceptional attention and care over the years, as well as the caring nursing staff at the Dryden Regional Health Centre and Prince Court.
“Matriarchs plant the seeds of greatness that bloom for generations.”
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Linda Hunkin says
August 12, 2024 at 9:19 pmWe had many good chats with your mom over the years, when we lived in the same neighborhood and then in recent years at Princess Court. She was a wonderful lady!
She always had a smile.
We are sorry for your loss, she will be missed!
Melanie Weberg says
August 13, 2024 at 1:35 pmCondolences to the whole family. Love and hugs to everyone from Melanie Weberg and Greg Cox
Michelle Nickel says
August 14, 2024 at 5:26 pmRita and my mom spent many hours together, as ladies of the Moose and then for years after a group of Moose ladies including Rita and my mom Dixie Nickel would meet for regular lunches. So sorry for your loss Rita was a wonderfull lady.
Gloria says
August 18, 2024 at 7:54 pmI was very sad to hear of Rita’s passing. Although we hadn’t been in touch for many years, she was always kind and supportive. Deepest condolences to the Paquette family.
Chief Hugh Stevenson says
August 22, 2024 at 5:40 pmKris, Darris and family:
On behalf of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, I wish to extend my sincere condolences during this sad time.
Chief Hugh Stevenson
And all members of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service