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.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Kay Tripp
To the Lessard Families…I was so sad to hear of Rita’s passing…We had reconnected just a week before her passing..She stopped in and we had tea and good conversation..she talked about your Dad and her sister and her boys..we caught up on old times. I am thankful to have had that time with her and I too will miss her..She was loved..heaven has another angel..my heartfelt condolences..Kay Tripp
Joe and Diane Kaak
Dear Family,
Our sympathy in the loss of your loved one.
Rita was a great person, always so cheerful
Joe and Diane Kaak
Nancy McCowan
We are sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother. Dan and I enjoyed meeting Rita a few years ago in Iqaluit. She was the life of the party with her quick wit and great sense of humour. We are thinking of you and are ending love.
Nancy & Dan
Mike & Leanne Restemayer
Our sincere condolences to the family of Rita. She will be forever remembered for her kind ways and beautiful smile.
Jessie Shanks
My deepest sympathies to the Lessard family. Rita was a well loved lady. Thinking of you all.
Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene& Family
Dear: Thomas (Connie,) Glen, Michael (Val), Bill (Christine) Casey (Angela), Grandchildren / Great-Grandchild, Extended Families / Friends . . .
“A mother’s Love is always with her children. Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. But her goodness, her caring and her wisdom live on- like a Legacy of Love that will forever be with you. May that Love surround you now and bring you peace. “
“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.”
We extend our deepest condolences to all of you during this immensely sad time . . . your family has experienced a huge loss with Rita’s passing. Casey, your tribute on Facebook about your beloved mother was beautifully written. May the wonderful memories you all have made together as a family help you through this difficult time. Rita touched the lives of so many, leaving a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life’s journey leaves a legacy of love, joy, kindness, generosity, laughter, humour, & cherished memories that will forever be treasured by those who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives. Please know that we care & share in your sadness, we have lost a wonderful Crediton neighbour. It is always hard to see our once lively parents age & eventually leave this world behind. May you find strength & comfort in the love of family & in the warm embrace of friends. Though Rita may be gone from our sight, her spirit will continue to live on . . . may she forever Rest in Peace. She & your Dad have been reunited once again in heavenly peace & love.
“Don’t cry because I’m gone; Smile brightly because I lived.”
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all as you gather to mourn & celebrate the incredible life of your beloved Mom– praying that your loving memories replace your tears with smiles of happy times together . . . may you find strength in each other now & in the difficult days ahead. God Bless You!
Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene & Family (Crediton)
Chris Vanstone Wurm
Sincere condolences to all of the Lessard Family. Rita was a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Hugs to all.
Marg Prout
Sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. Condolences to all Rita’s family. Rita was such a hard worker but also
enjoyed her many recreational activities. She loved her ball games, legion shuffleboard and her time spent
with family and friends. RIP Rita!
Dale Grant
Casey & Lassard family;
Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for the loss of a Mother, Grandma and dearest friend to so many. I am happy to say she was my friend. R.I.P. Rita.
Bob and Lorette (Vanneste) Mawson
Sending our condolences to all at this sad and difficult time
Jeremy Becker
Sincere Condolences to Casey & The Lessard Family.
Chuck & Pam Ross
We were so sorry to hear of Rita’s sudden passing. Such a lovely lady. She will be missed.
Katherine MacGregor-Ens
Deepest Sympathy to Rita’s family and friends! Enjoyed playing Shuffleboard with her at the Exeter Legion. Her smiles and laughter will be missed by all.
Wanda Reynolds
To Rita’s Family
My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. I was just talking to her at the rummage sale last week.
Wanda Reynolds
Evelyn Vincent
To Rita’s family
I am so sorry to read of Rita’s passing. She was such a loving, kind lady. ALWAYS enjoyed chatting with Rita.
May God grant peace and comfort as you remember the happy moments
Anne Shepherd
My condolences to the family. Rita was a very special lady, and very generous with her time. I was always amazed of the many accomplishments in her life She spoke about you all in the most loving way. I will miss our conversations.
brian & Janet Wedlake
Very sorry to hear of Rita’s passing
She was such a joy playing shuffle board with
Brian and Janet Wedlake
Deb Price & family
Hey Guys,
It just seemed like yesterday when my sisters and I were sending condolences in person to her for your dad.
They are together again. Watching over you and your families.
Rita became a part of our family since we moved to Huron Park. Been over 45 years.
Her visits for tea and when dad made liver and onions I will never forget.
There were so many people who thought our moms were sisters. My son always called her Senior Rita when he was first able to talk… it was so special.
May your memories stay with you a long time of her and your dad.
Blessings….
George and Sue Wilson
Thomas, Glen, Michael, Bill, Casey, and families, Foley family, heartfelt condolences on your Mom’s /sister’s passing. Rita was a very vibrant, friendly lady. She and Tom raised five caring sons. Cherish your precious memories. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue Wilson, Cathie and Bill Wuerth, Judi Wilson and Tracy and Mike DeGroot
Shirley McNair Bechard
My memory of Rita is she was always willing to help who ever crossed her path ,she worked hard and i love her for being there for myself and my siplings ,all in Huron Park ,she is greatly missed
Gloria pear
Rita you will be missed dearly you were such a great friend we cried together and laughed together condolences to the family say hi too Tommy and John for me I miss all of you soo much …much love to you and your family
Anne Legoff
Our condolences to all of the Lessard family.❤️. How I wish we could be there..
She will never be forgotten, I (Anne) will always remember how kind and welcoming she and Tom were to me when I first moved to Ontario in 1986.
Hugs from NB, Darrin and Anne LeGoff
Kimberly
Sincere condolences to all of you. She was a wonderful lady who loved her family deeply as a mother should. She was full of life and sincerity. May all your wonderful memories of her carry you through this sudden loss. Kimberly Lexovsky