Rita E. LeClaire
September 27, 1912 — March 22, 2002
Rita E. LeClaire, age 89 a life long resident of Baraga was called home by the Lord on Friday, March 22, 2002.
She was born September 27, 1912 in Baraga, daughter to the late Joseph and Alma (Anderson) Miron. Rita married Melford LeClaire on June 8, 1935 at the Mission in Assinins. She was a wonderful, loving wife, mother and grandmother and was devoted to her family. She worked tirelessly providing comforts to them. She was a wonderful cook and baker. She made the best bread in the world.
Rita found joy and beauty in the simple things of life such as taking rides in the woods, picking berries, gardening and bird watching. She was a caring and gentle spirit who enjoyed life. She made time for each and every one of her children and grandchildren. To her every one of them was special and she meant everything to them. Rita's smile would light up a room. She will be deeply and profoundly missed.
Rita was a devoted catholic and a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church
She is survived by four sons, James (Carol) LeClaire of L'Anse, Leonard, Douglas, and Paul LeClaire all of Baraga; five daughters, Kathryn (Lance) Heikkinen, Mary (Gary) Glover , Joanne LeClaire all of Baraga, Carol (Stewart) Hamacher of Norway, Lorraine (Raymond) Maki of Baraga; daughter-in-law Dar LeClaire of Ohio; son-in-law Richard Hiltunen of Baraga; one sister, Mary Frances (Malvie) LeClaire of Baraga; three brothers, Lester (Eva) Miron of Baraga, Joseph (Mary) Miron of Traverse City, Rodger (Judy) Miron of Baraga; 20 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Rita is preceded in death by her husband Melford; sons, Joe and Peter LeClaire; daughter, Charlene Hiltunen; four brothers, Raymond, Earl, Donald, and Louie Miron; one sister Norma Ross.
The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, March 25 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Baraga. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5-8:00 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be recited at 7:30 p.m.. Fr. George Joseph will officiate. Burial will be in the Baraga Cemetery in the spring. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.