Rita J. LaMontagne

Rita Joan LaMontagne, 91, of Bourbonnais, passed away peacefully on Saturday (Jan. 17, 2015) at her home. She was born April 29, 1923, in Ashkum, the eldest daughter of Albert and Marie (Keliher) Memenga. She married Armond "Joe" LaMontagne on July 25, 1979. He survives. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Saturday until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Kankakee. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley. Surviving are her children, Jerald Holz, of Boise, Idaho, daughter and son-in-law, Joan (Holz) and Ken Giroux, of Bourbonnais, and stepdaughter, Cindy LaMontagne, of Warner Robbins, Ga.; grandchildren, Sara and John Wolfsmith, Lee Giroux and Rachel Evans, Julia Holz and Ricky Kramer and Jaclyn Horton and Michael Carrico; great-grandchildren, Ryan and Andrew Wolfsmith and Walker Evans; her sister, Marilyn Walters; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; sisters and brother-in-law, Alyce and Russell Strahl and Mary Margaret Memenga. Her ex-husband, Rudolph Holz, passed away in 2007. Her beloved Shi Tzu, Ito, also preceded her in death and will be united with her at the rainbow bridge. She was a medical secretary for many years, and was the administrative assistant to the president at Commonwealth Credit Union until her retirement. She was active in many organizations, including: Delphi Civic Organization, Tuesday Book Review, Junior Women's Club and Women's Club of Kankakee, and she served as a volunteer at the Kankakee County Museum, chairing the annual Rhubarb Festival several times. She was the founder and queen mum of the Red Hat Nanas. Rita enjoyed many hobbies, including reading, sewing and porcelain painting. She was a wonderful cook and collected cookbooks, always trying and perfecting new recipes. Whatever she did in life, she did to the fullest. Most of all, Rita loved spending time with her family, and they all treasure the time they had with her. They will all miss her loving guidance, her sense of humor and her overwhelming generosity. She was described as the epitome of a lady, the definition of a good, strong woman, and God's definition of what a mother should be. She always had angel's wings, now she gets to use them.

Rita J. LaMontagne

April 29, 1923 - January 17, 2015