Rita Gautreau

Rita (Lussier) Gautreau, 88, of 97 Fowler Road, died unexpectedly in her home on Saturday, November 22, 2008. Her husband of 40 years, Joseph A. Gautreau, died in 1990.

She leaves four children: Albert E. Gautreau, Ronald J. Gautreau, and David N. Gautreau, all of Northbridge, and Linda A. Sliwoski and her husband, Michael S. Sliwoski, of Spencer; three grandchildren: Jason A. Gautreau of Salt Lake City, UT, Deven M. Mespelli of Whitinsville, and Kara M. Sliwoski of Spencer; and nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by five sisters: Beatrice Lavallee, Bertha Dube, Yvette Laflash, Margaret Filor and Loretta Chenevert, and by four brothers: Rosario Lussier, Emmanuel J. Lussier, Samuel Lussier, and Maurice Lussier.

She was born in Northbridge on June 28, 1920, a daughter of the late Emmanuel and Alexandrina (Provost) Lussier, and lived in town all her life.

Mrs. Gautreau was a daily communicant and a lifelong member of St. Peter's Catholic Parish and was a member of the parish Sodality of the Ladies of St. Anne, Bereavement Committee, and Annual Fall Bazaar Committee for many years. A loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she enjoyed cooking and baking, singing, summers at the lake, stage shows, casino visits and flowers of all kinds. Most of all, however, she enjoyed being with her family and relatives.

Her funeral will be on Wednesday, November 26, from Turgeon Funeral Home, 80 School St., with a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in St. Peter's Catholic Church, 39 Church Ave. After the Mass, she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Whitinsville. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Tuesday, November 25, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Parish, 39 Church Ave., Northbridge, MA 01534.