Rita J. Erickson's Obituary
Rita Jeanette Erickson, of Muskegon, died peacefully in her sleep on May 17, 2016.
She was born December 10, 1917 in Leominster, Massachusetts to Albert and Alice Lyonnais. At age seven she moved to Muskegon, Michigan when her father began employment at The George Morrell Corporation. The family was originally from Canada and Rita only spoke French when she moved. She attended St. Jean’s School and had the lead in the senior play “Wings of the Morning”. Rita was married to Kenneth G. Erickson of Muskegon for 68 years. They enjoyed extensive travel throughout the United States, dancing, and singing in the St. Thomas choir, where Rita was a soloist for over 60 years. She retired from The Muskegon Area Intermediate School District where she was an assistant to two superintendents. Previously she worked for American Greasestick Corporation and The Brunswick Corporation. She was a member of the American Business Women’s Association and volunteered at The Mercy Hospital gift shop. Rita loved spending time with her family and friends and was a Michigan football fan. Rita is survived by three children and their spouses, sons Alan (Ahme) Erickson, Craig (Kathy) Erickson, daughter, Pam (Mike) Holmes; four grand-children: Jen (Craig) Copeland, Sarah (Nate) McBride, Paul (Trisha) Erickson and Emily Erickson (fiance, Anthony Scavo); nine great-grandchildren: Zachary, Natalie, Sydney, Owen, Kate, Derek, Claire, Holly, and Hunter; her sister, Claire (Lou) Belanger; her brother, Frank (Mary Grace) Lyonnais and sister-in-law, Joan (Ed) Stewart. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth G. Erickson; a brother, Raymond Lyonnais; and a grandson, Kirk Erickson. Rita’s MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 1:00 PM Friday, June 3, 2016 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Antony Britto presiding. VISITATION will be one hour prior to her service. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
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