Obituary of Rita Stensrud

Rita Stensrud ( nee Labrosse) passed away peacefully on May 19, 2017 at Samaritan Place. She will be profoundly missed by her children: Cathy Yohnke (Bob), Janey Neufeldt (Bob), Michael Stensrud (Rhonda) and Joanne Stensrud. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Aaron Yohnke (Aneta), Jeri-Lyn Mortimer (James) Ashley Turgeon (Cole), Jennifer Neufeldt, Evan Neufeldt (Jessica), Michael Neufeldt, Kate Stensrud, Malcolm Stensrud and her great grandchildren: Benjamin and Alexander Yohnke, Harper Mortimer, Brody and Brooklyn Turgeonand Benjamin Neufeldt. She will be missed by many nieces and nephews and friends. Rita was predeceased by her loving husband, Howard Stensrud in December 2013. She was predeceased by her parents Armand and Leontine and by her brothers: Simon, Eugene, Julian and Leo and by her sisters: Lucille and Frances. Rita was born on November 4th 1927 to Armand and Leontine Labrosse in Marcelin Saskatchewan. She was the youngest of seven children. Her family spoke French at home, learning English when they attended school. Rita moved to Saskatoon as a young adult and worked as a secretary for Pinder’s Drugs. She married Howard Stensrud in 1951. With the arrival of children, Rita dedicated herself to being a full time homemaker. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Rita had many talents and abilities. She was a gifted musician, often livening up parties with her ability to play the piano and organ. She loved to sew, to crochet and knit and spent countless hours creating beautiful needlepoint pictures. Howard and Rita’s involvement in the Cosmopolitan Club resulted in many life-long friendships. She led an active life. Rita and Howard loved to golf together and they enjoyed travelling to different destinations around the world. For many years they cherished their winter home in Lake Havasu and the any friendships they made there. Rita was blessed with a strong faith and belonged to St. Philip’s Parish and later to St. Joseph’s Parish. The birth of their youngest child Joanne, who has cerebral palsy, changed the focus of Rita and Howard’s life. Rita supported Howard as he helped create an array of services for people with disabilities. Rita dedicated her life to providing loving care to Joanne. Joanne’s health and happiness was always on her mind and in her heart. Rita was a loving and supportive wife. She was a wonderful mother to all her children and an extraordinary mother to Joanne. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her great joy. Rita was a harming woman, filled with optimism and love. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. The Family would like to thank the care professionals at RUH ACU and Samaritan Place, Monette, Rio, Mary Ann, Kathy Daniels and Melanie Deneiko for their help and loving care with Rita. In lieu of flowers, donations to Kinsmen Elmwood Residences or Cosmopolitan Industries: The Top Of the Rock Fund would be appreciated.