Rita Wheeler

OXFORD - Rita Jean (Cournoyer) Wheeler passed away on July 8, 2013. She was 91. Her late husband of over 56 years passed away in 1998. She leaves a son, Gerald P. Wheeler and his wife Adele of Dudley. She also leaves a brother, Bernard Cournoyer of Webster and a sister, Therese Gregoire of Charlton; 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, John W. Wheeler; her brothers, Edgar, Norman, Roland, Emile, Leonard, Charles, and Paul Cournoyer. She was born in Webster, the daughter of the late Ovide and Lea (Robidoux) Cournoyer, and moved to Oxford in 1941. She was a graduate of Bartlett High School, class of 1940. She worked at State Mutual Assurance Company and was a communicant of St. Roch's Parish. Rita enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, and traveling. A memorial Mass will be held 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at St. Roch's Church. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations in her name may be made to Lanessa Extended Care, c/o the Activities Dept., 751 School St., Webster, MA 01570. Paradis Funeral Home is directing the arrangements.