Rita Joyce Heavrin
(Sr. Mary De Sales)
August 9, 1931 – November 17, 2021
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 23rd from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, November 24th at 11am, West Center Chapel. Interment: Calvary Cemetery. Memorials will be directed by the family.
To view a live broadcast of Funeral Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
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Preceded in death by parents, Ralph H. and Lucille D. Heavrin; brother, Ralph J. Heavrin. Survived by brothers, Ronald F. and Russell J. Heavrin; nieces: Joyce Voorhees, Deborah Voorhees, Jeanette Hergenroder, Michelle Wilson; nephew, Brian Heavrin.
Rita was born in Omaha, Nebraska, attended Beals Grade School, graduated from Tech High, graduated from College of Saint Mary’s with a Bachelor of Science.
After graduating from Tech High, Rita entered the Sisters of Saint Mary, RSM, where she attained her degree. Rita remained with the order for 20 years. During that time, Rita taught at several schools including St. James Orphanage, Holy Cross Grade School, Mercy High School, and retired from her teaching career in Lyons, Nebraska. During her years in Lyons, Nebraska, Rita also was a guardian of her niece, Michelle Heavrin-Wilson.
Rita was well known for years for being an avid artist. Many of her paintings were donated to different organizations. She was well known for her artwork at The Annual College of Saint Mary’s Art Show.
Everyone knows that when Rita had spare time, she could always be found in her art studio working doing oil painting, ink, pencil drawing, watercolors, colored pencil, and yes, pottery. Rita also spent a lot of time teaching art. Many aspiring artists owe their beginnings to Rita.
Rita passed in peace on November 17, 2021. Rita’s life crossed paths with many people. Her life enriched the lives of countless people.
4 Comments
I love you so much Aunt Rita.💖💖💖💖
I stayed with Rita and her niece, Michelle, for a few weeks in the summer. She was always so kind and generous to me even though I was not family. She taught me how to shape clay into something useful and to create with my heart. Thank you, Rita, for simply being you.
It is always hard to lose family; making it even harder is not being able to participate in Rita’s funeral. Ronny and Russ – you were both very lucky to have had a close bond. My sympathy to you both. Rita is now in paradise with your dad, mom and brother. I can see a great resemblance between Rita and your mom. I’m honored to be related to you!
I remember visiting her at Sisters of Saint Mary.. I thought I was visiting one of Gods Angels. The World lost another Angel and God definitely needed her! I miss Aunt Rita ❤️
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