Rita Ann Poliquin Rielley
(February 24, 1938 – March 29, 2024)

Rita Ann Rielley, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister passed away peacefully on March 29, 2024, at the age of 86.

Rita was born on February 24, 1938 to Laura (Smith) and Eugene Poliquin in Terre Haute, IN. She married the love of her life, Bernard Daniel Rielley, and together they built a beautiful life centered around their five children: Christine (Alexei) Oro, Bernard Charles Rielley, Marie (Randall) Duckworth, Steven (Cynthia) Rielley, and Debra Gaugush. Rita and Bernard were high school sweethearts in St. Louis, MO, and were married for 58 years before Bernard's passing in 2016.

Rita grew up in a close-knit family and is preceded by her parents, siblings Thomas Poliquin, Sister Mary Odile Poliquin, SSND, Odile Lampe, and son Thomas Jude Rielley. She is survived by her sister Mary Werner and brother Michael Poliquin.

She took immense pride in her nine grandchildren: Alexei Oro, Rielley Duckworth, Julia Duckworth, Louisa Duckworth, Brandon Mulverhill, Cody Mulverhill, Malcolm Rielley, Echo Gaugush, and Fiona Gaugush. She cherished her role as a grandmother, creating lasting memories with them.

Rita enjoyed gardening and travel, but her real passion was taking care of her husband and children.

A funeral Mass will be held to honor Rita's memory at St. Joseph’s Parish in Clayton, MO on July 5. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Rita's name. Rita Rielley's legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of her loved ones and all those she touched throughout her life.

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