June 4, 1951 - September 21, 2023
Rita Romanie Lauwaert, age 72, of Stratford passed away peacefully at the Stratford General Hospital on September 21, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born in St. Gilles, Belgium, daughter of Anna Persoon of Delhi (Stratford) and the late Gaston Persoon.
Beloved wife of 51 years of Percy. Loving mother of Nicole Wordofa (Gezahgn), Michael (Leigh). Grandmother of Aaron, Braden, Ryan and Linden. Sister-in-law of Jean Persoon and aunt to Leanne and Heather. Also survived by uncle Marcel and aunt Simone. Predeceased by brother-in-law Val.
Rita was an educator and strong advocate for French instruction in the region. Coming to the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board in 1974 as a classroom itinerant French teacher, she progressed to the position of French Consultant, where she was instrumental in encouraging the school board to initiate a French Immersion program. She was the first kindergarten teacher for the program, and proposed the name of Jeanne Sauvé for the school. She retired from teaching in 2004 as the principal of St. Aloysius School in Stratford.
Rita’s family and grandchildren were her life. She spent countless hours reading to her grandsons, teaching them about gardening, and supporting them in all their interests - from hockey to music, and everything else in between. Her kindness, compassion and passion for social justice will forever live on in her memory.
Family and friends are invited to St. Joseph's Church, 96 Huron Street, Stratford on Friday, October 20, where the funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., with a short social to follow in the Parish Hall. In honour of Rita, the family asks people attending to wear something red, as it was her favourite colour. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the charity of choice through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. 519.271.7411 www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
Funeral Service
Friday, October 20, 2023
11:00AM
St. Joseph's Church
96 Huron Street
Stratford, ON N5A 5S6
