Rita B. Lefebvre

Lefebvre, Rita B.
86 of Elk River, MN,
passed away in her home January 8, 2024, of kidney failure. Rita lived a full life as a purposeful and loving daughter, sibling, spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She lived her life as a true servant. Rita was born October 11, 1937, in Osseo, MN, to Clem and Gladys (Gagnon) McCann and grew up on a farm in Maple Grove. She attended St. Michael Catholic High School in St. Michael, MN, where she met her husband, Jim. The two were married for 61 years before his death in 2019. Early years on the family farm were challenging, but with faith, love and grit, Rita and Jim grew their family and farm. Together they also shared a love of golf, card playing and travel. They visited every continent of the world except Antarctica, some continents multiple times. Rita turned her love of travel into owning and operating a travel agency. Through her life and in her travels, Rita built a large collection of angels that represented for her the many blessings she had received. After selling the farm in 1999, Rita and Jim moved to Blue Lake near Zimmerman where they continued to enjoy entertaining friends and family. They also attended many of their grandkids' activities. Rita was deeply religious and participated in many church ministries including as a youth and adult faith formation leader. She also served on the St. Michael-Albertville school board and volunteered in her community. Rita is survived by her children, Chuck (Kathy), Greg (Sabine), Mark (Jan), Nancy (Dan) Fordahl, Dan (Karen), Bob (Becky); 17 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim; daughter-in-law, Becky, and grandson, Matthew. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, January 15, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dayton, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, January 16, at 11 a.m. Interment and lunch will follow Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to EWTN or Sharing and Caring Hands.
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