Obituary of Rita Ann Lessard

LESSARD:  Unexpectedly, but peacefully, at her home, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Rita Ann (Foley) Lessard of Crediton, age 83.  Beloved wife of the late John Thomas “Tom” Lessard (December 30, 2023).  Loved mother and mother-in-law of Thomas and Connie Lessard of London, Glen Lessard of London, Michael and Val Lessard of Oshawa, Bill and Christine Lessard of Mississauga and Casey Lessard and Angela Michielsen of Iqaluit.  Cherished grandma of Christopher, the late Nicholas, Katie, Quinn, Abigail, Jessica, Ryan, Brittany, Will, Jonah, Iris, Hugo and Cosmo.  Treasured great-grandma of Aubrey.  Dear sister and sister-in-law of Kathleen “Kay” Foley of Montreal, Tom and Maisey Foley of Mississauga, Richard Foley of London and Nancy Zettel of Kitchener.  Rita will be remembered by her nieces, nephews and their families.  Predeceased by her parents Albert and Beatrice (Fitzpatrick) Foley, parents-in-law William Warren and Viola (Malone) Lessard, siblings and in-laws Joan McCullough, Carol and Doug Ricci, Robert Peter Foley, Bill and Shirley Lessard, Jim and Shirley Lessard, Bob and Millie Lessard, Gary Lessard, Patricia “Pat” and Ron Gray, Margaret and Sam Tulley and George Zettel.  At Rita’s request, cremation has taken place.  Visitation will be held at the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood, on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 4 to 8 p.m., with CWL Prayers at 3:45 p.m. and Parish and Family Prayers at 4:00 p.m.  The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, 69219 Bronson Line, (Parkhill for those searching Google Maps), Mount Carmel on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.  The Rev. Fr. Vince Gulikers Celebrant.  Interment Exeter Cemetery at a later date.  Rita was a devout Catholic who was popular as a community volunteer, Grand Bend Strip newspaper columnist, slo-pitch player, and funeral singer. She made many friends through her work in local factories and restaurants, retiring from Tim Horton’s as a night shift supervisor.  If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to the Huron County Food Bank (by monetary donation or food donation) or a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.