Rita Marie BOURASSA

SISTER RITA MARIE BOURASSA WINOOSKI — Sister Rita Marie Bourassa, 75, a Sister of Providence, passed to her eternal reward, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2005, in Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington surrounded by her Sisters in religion. Sister Rita was born in Haileybury, Ontario Township of Bucke, April 22, 1930, the daughter of the late Alcibiade and Eva (Perrault) Bourassa. She entered the Sisters of Providence Congregation in February 1954. Two years later when she took her first vows she would be called by her religious name: Sister Alberte Rita until the sisters returned to their legal names. Sister Rita was a religious for 51 years. Sister worked at the finance office of the Bishop Brady Center for over 20 years, having worked, before entering religious life, for a private law firm. Sister was also missioned in Chicago, Ill., before coming to Vermont. Besides her sisters in religion, Sister is survived by a brother-in-law, Lucien Roy; and nephews, Roger Roy, and Donald and his wife, Yvonne. These two nephews and a niece, Denise Cleroux are all of Pointe Gatineau, Quebec. Other nephews include Lionel Roy and his wife, Francine, and their son, Christian of Hawkesbury, Ontario; and Aurelle Bourassa of New Liskead, Ontario. Sister was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Doris; and two brothers, Albert and Lionel, killed in World War II. The Sisters wish to thank the staff at Fletcher Allen and the Center at Our Lady Of Providence for their tremendous care through difficult days. Among the most treasured gifts, Sister left us is her devotion and passion for perfection ... she did everything so well. Calling hours will be held Sunday, Aug. 21, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in Our Lady Of Providence Chapel, 47 West Spring St., Winooski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Richard Lavalley, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Monday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Sisters' Plot in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Gamelin Fund, c/o St. Francis Xavier School, St. Peter Street, Winooski, Vt. 05404. Arrangements are by the LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St., Winooski.