Rita M. West

Rita Marie West, 85, of Crystal Falls, MI went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls. Rita was born on November 15, 1934, in Lowell, Massachusetts. She was born of Albert and Marie (Bellemare) Lessard. In 1939 she was adopted and raised by extended family, Romeo and Lillian (Brunet) Plouffe. She grew up in Lowell, MA, graduating from Lowell High School in 1953. She attended Bradshaw College and worked as a secretary for Raytheon Manufacturing Company in Waltham, MA. In 1955 she met the love of her life, Hubert “Bud” West. Rita & Buddy were married January 15, 1956 in Lowell. Shortly after they moved to Crystal Falls, MI to start their family and life legacy together. Bud preceded her in death on July 6, 2020. Rita was an active member of Guardian Angels Church. She served her faith community through their Women’s Guild and Funeral Committees for many years. You would most often find her in the kitchen at the stove, as she found great joy in cooking for others. She was very involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, serving on the Board and volunteering countless hours for the organization in many capacities. Rita also gave of her time and energy to the Crystal Falls Lion’s Club, especially during the Annual Bass Festival. Festival goers could always count on catching Bud & Rita taking a break from their Bass Fest duties by enjoying a jitterbug out on the dancefloor! Rita worked for almost 30 years as a licensed agent for Lud Stoor Insurance, retiring from her career in 1996. She was a petite, classy, generous of spirit, kind and fun-loving woman who was quick with a smile and known for her laughter. She was a good friend, a loving wife and mother, sister, sister-in-law, the best grandma, and great grandma to those of us who will miss her with our whole hearts. Rita was also preceded in death by her parents and two sisters-in-law, Dorothy West and Arlene Lessard. She is survived by her three children: Kenneth (Vicki) West and Kim (Patrick) Olson, all of Crystal Falls, and Karrie Fabri of Norman OK. Rita was the proud Grandma of six granddaughters: Summer Olson, Krystle (Andy) Sikora, Samantha (Dan) Shuck, Emily (Zach) Tarter, Amy (Tim) Wheeler, Rachel West (Sean Bocek) and one grandson, Michael Fabri. In addition, she was blessed with seven great-grandchildren: David, Bekah, Jacob and Lizzie Tarter; and Claire, Sara and Hazel Sikora. Rita was also survived by three brothers: Raymond Lessard of New Hampshire, Joseph “Andy” (Jean) Lessard of California and Maurice “Mo” Lessard of Massachusetts, one sister Geraldine “Gerry” (Connor) Hamel and her brother-in-law Ray West of Arizona, along with several beloved nieces and nephews. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the family will honor Rita’s life with a private service held at Guardian Angels Church in Crystal Falls. Father Daniel Malone will offer the Mass of Christian burial. Interment will take place immediately following in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either St. Vincent de Paul in Crystal Falls or to Guardian Angels Church. Condolences to the family of Rita Marie West may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net. The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.

Rita M. West

November 15, 1934 - October 3, 2020