Rita "Lil" Girard

Rita “Lil” Girard, age 84 of Kankakee, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Heritage Woods of Watseka. She was born October 8, 1940, in Manteno, the daughter of Leonard and Isabelle (Blanchette) Giroux. Lil married Gerald “Jerry” “G” Girard on April 23, 1960, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Manteno. He preceded her in death on April 12, 2011. Lil was active in sales as a realtor, car saleswoman, and Sara Coventry Jewelry, earning the nickname of “Diamond Lil.” She was the first Tupperware saleswoman in Kankakee and Iroquois County. Lil was a very creative person, especially with floral design and painting. While raising small children, Lil painted black and white portraits from numerous photography studios. Lil was always active as a room mother. Lil along with her husband “G” were instrumental in starting McNamara Madcaps. Lil assisted her daughter Roxanne designing several St. Mary’s Style shows. She really enjoyed being the “Fun” grandma with her grandkids. Lil was known for her impeccable style. Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Ron (Maureen) Girard of Denver, two daughters and one son-in-law, Roxanne Moran of Kankakee, Evelina (Parker) Ashworth of Lake Geneva; seven grandchildren, Sheila (Erik) Hanson of OR, Brian (Erin) Girard of CA, Brad (Grace) Girard of MD, Ryan (Beth Knight) Girard of CO, Aidan Moran of Chicago, Graham Moran of KS, Gwen Moran of Bourbonnais; six great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Janet Girard Giroux; one brother and sister-in-law, Bob (Janice) Giroux; three brothers-in-law and five sisters-in-law, Fran (Sandy) Girard, Barbara Girard, Joe (Nancy) Girard, Rich (Anita) Girard, Janet Girard Giroux. Lil is preceded in death by her husband, “G;” her parents; one sister, Dolly Sicard; one brother, Earl Giroux; her in-laws, Maurice and Rose Girard; and two brothers- in-law, Jim Girard and Leo Girard. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the 10:00 a.m. memorial Mass on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Maternity B.V.M. Catholic Church, Bourbonnais. Inurnment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum, Bourbonnais. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heritage Woods of Watseka or Uplifted Care of Kankakee.

Rita "Lil" Girard

October 8, 1940 - February 8, 2025