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Rita Provost Obituary



Rita Marie Provost

Resident of San Jose

Apr 10, 1925-Apr 24, 2011

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Rita peacefully passed away on Easter Sunday, with her loving and devoted family by her side. She is preceded in death by her husband of 22 years, Walter Joseph Provost, brothers Donald and William Hayes, and survived by her sister Theresa C. Hayes, brother John Hayes, son Kevin Provost, daughter Anne Provost Flemmer, grandchildren Siera, Chase, and Brent Flemmer, and son- in law John Flemmer, whom she loved like her own.

Born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, Rita graduated from St. Patrick's Parochial School and moved to California shortly after. She worked for many years in a job she loved as a telephone operator for Valley Medical Center.

Rita devoted her life to God by saying daily Novenas, praying the rosary, and giving generously to those less fortunate. Her joys in life came from her cherished grandchildren, pouring over two newspapers a day, working in her bountiful garden, enjoying a good meal, and creating beautiful ceramics. She found the wonder in life in all of God's creations, from a blooming rose to a magnificent sunset. She had the rare gift of truly appreciating the beauty of the world around her, always having a positive attitude, and we are grateful for her contagious enthusiasm.

Rita will be remembered for her unconditional love of God and family, her generous heart, and the pleasure she got from making people laugh. With her heart-warming smile, sunny disposition, flaming red hair, and authentic east coast accent, she was truly one of a kind. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Rita's life and memorial Mass will be held at Transfiguration Church, 4325 Jarvis Avenue on Friday, May 6, 2011 at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, Rita's family respectfully requests that donations be sent in her name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times from May 3 to May 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Donna Green

May 26, 2011

Rita always made me laugh when she spoke about her favorite baseball team. She was a true Giants fan except complaining about the long hair of Lincecum.I will miss her smile and wonderful sense of humor.Each time I sit at my desk at work enjoying the handmade ceramic pigs she made me I will think of lovely Rita.

Rita Revellese

May 7, 2011

My friend Rita was a wonderful woman which you knew from the moment you met her. We met a few years ago at a Senior Center and bonded immediately as "Rita" and "the other Rita". Then kept in touch forever after until I met her sister Theresa and Theresa moved in here at The Atrium. Both Theresa and I will miss Rita terribly. "The other Rita"

Elizabeth Harris

May 3, 2011

Dear Rita, A wonderful women I had the pleasure of meeting only a couple of times, yet I will never forget her! She had a great sense of humor,words of wisdom and a heart as beautiful as her red hair.Rita, there aren't too many genuine people left in this world ,but I'm honored to have met one, YOU! Truly, I will miss you!
To Rita's family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.Thank you for sharing her with all of us!

Cathy & Brian Clark

May 3, 2011

Aunt Rita and family,
You will be truly missed by all our family! We have such treasured memories of you! Thank you! We love you so much!

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