Obituary
Rita Ann Flaherty
Rita Ann Flaherty, age 94 of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on June 1st, 2023, at Brookdale Senior Living of Onalaska.
She was born on April 11, 1929 in Zanesville Ohio to Charles and Florence Lemmon. She graduated from St. Mary’s of the Springs College in Columbus, Ohio in 1951. She married William Flaherty on August 11th, 1952. Together, they moved around a bit and settled in La Crosse in the early 1960’s where they raised 6 children.
Rita enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren, playing games and cards, reading, cooking, singing, and watching sports. Spending time with family and friends is what brought that sparkle in her eyes and a warm smile to her face. Rita was a very giving person who loved meeting new people. She spent over 40 years volunteering at Mayo Clinic Health Systems and developed many friendships along the way.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband William, daughter, Theresa, parents Charles and Florence and a brother Gordon.
Rita is survived by her children, Bill, Jackie, Lori, Pat (Pamela) and Michelle (Jerry). Grandchildren, Ahmed, Daniel, William, Conner, Courtney, Nicole, and Ryan and 7 Great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the Mayo Hospice and Brookdale Senior Living Onalaska for the wonderful care and comfort she was given in her final months.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 22nd from 10:00-noon with a remembrance service at noon followed by a luncheon at the Gathering Place in Onalaska.
Flaherty’s, so sorry to hear of your loss. I have added the Celebration of Life to our calendar. Look forward to seeing everyone and sharing our many special memories.
See you on the 22nd.
Sorry for your loss. I worked at Mayo and met Rita through her volunteering. She had such a great sense of humor and would always stop by my office to say hello and crack a joke. She will be missed.
Rita was a sweet lady! She was kind and full of fun! Sorry for your loss.
Lori Beiswanger
Al and I are so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She was so full of kindness, laughter and just plain fun. Her name comes up often when we tell stories from the past. Rita has left a smile on so many faces.. ours included. She will be missed. Love to all. Pam and Al Severson
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Rita was such a sweet lady, she would visit my mom years ago. Our family was raised right down Market Street from you.
My sympathy.
Barbara (Blank) Seidel
So sorry to hear of the passing of Rita. She was always so sweet. I grew up across the street. Shelly was one of my babysitters. It was a lovely neighborhood. May you all find comfort and peace in the memories you hold in your heart. Pam Bailey Strittmater and Dad, Bob Bailey
So sorry for your loss. Rita was a wonderful person and a good neighbor. Many days were spent over at their house. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Diane Twite and family.
I knew Rita through her many years and hours of volunteer service at what is now Mayo Health System. She was always cheerful, smiling and interested in people. Even following Theresa’s tragic death, she stayed positive.
I volunteered with Rita at Mayo and always wanted to be like her,so warm and engaging,. She always made you feel important ,and part of the team.God bless you ,Rita !
To all the Flaherty kids.. all us Brueggemans(Mark, Kevin and Barbara) remember your family well..we lived 1400 block on Ferry and all went to Cathedral. Your mom and dad were just the best..many fond memories. Our deepest sympathy.
I lived next door to Rita when we both lived at the village in La Crosse. At the time she always volunteered on Wednesdays at Mayo. Best neighbor ever, she would always leave a treat on my shelf. One time when my grandson was being quizzed at the door, Rita was at the ready. She immediately stepped in and delivered my grandson to me.
My condolences to the Flaherty family. I have thought of you all over the years as I still miss your sister Terry…my bestie in college…spent several Oktoberfest’s at your home on Market street…your mom was a spitfire as I remember… Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Julie Gustafson Gavin
We were so very sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. I always loved her laugh, her smile and her kind heart. She was such a sweet person that gave such wonderful hugs! May you all find peace and comfort in the many wonderful memories you have been blessed with. Love and hugs to you all.
So surprised and sad to see that your Mom has passed. In so many ways she was like a second mom to me. I have the most wonderful memories of her smile, her laugh, the kitchen snack drawer. Her kind and gentle way helped me through lots of rough spots. I always loved talking to her. She will always be remembered with very special memories.
Dear Flaherty families,
I don’t get the paper, so I was shocked to learn of your mom’s death. I would have been at the service had I known. Your mom was such a presence, and I enjoyed her so much. I will always cherish the sings and card parties we had at your house. And I loved her laugh❤️.
God bless!
Mo