M. Rita Andre

ANDRE, M. Rita (Cowell)

Rita loved to travel and she embarked on her last journey Sunday, March 27th, 2011. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her children. She was born in Spokane in 1922. She graduated from Holy Names Academy as valedictorian and went on to receive her BSN from Gonzaga University and MED from Whitworth University. Rita was an accomplished pianist and in 1941 won the Greater Spokane Music Festival Piano Division. After nursing graduation, she spent a year on the faculty of Columbus School of Nursing, in Great Falls Montana. Rita returned to Spokane in 1946 to marry Leo (Pat) Andre. She then was on the faculty of Sacred Heart School of Nursing for two years until she left nursing to raise her family of five children. By the time the children were in school Rita felt a great need to again be involved with the profession she loved. She was on the faculty of St Luke's School of Nursing until it closed and then was on the faculty of Deaconess School of Nursing until its closing. At this time Rita accepted the position of Associate Chief of Nursing Service Education at the V.A. Medical Center where she worked until she retired. In 1978 she married Gail Hinthorne. They enjoyed many activities together including hunting, fishing, dancing and traveling. Her career included involvement in many citywide and state nursing committees and she was often called on to present workshops on the latest developments in nursing. She was published in several nursing journals. Rita loved to travel and saw most of the U.S. and Canada and many foreign countries. She especially enjoyed China, Russia and Africa. Golf and bridge were her source of relaxation, and she spent many happy hours at both. She was a member of both the Esmeralda and Downriver Ladies 18 Hole Golf Clubs. She was a member of the American Contract Bridge League as well as the General Federation of Women's Clubs. She is survived by her sister Phyllis Wintersteen of Quincy, Illinois; her children, Patricia "Trish" Elser and husband John, Lynn Lysick and husband Gene of Morgantown, West Virginia, Chris Andre, Don Andre of Seattle, and Clint Andre and his wife Debbie. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. A memorial service will be held for the family at a future date. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity or Crosswalk Youth Shelter of Spokane.