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.
Thinking of Marie and all the Rielley Family as they say goodbye to Rita and Bernie. What a pair! Rita was always there for me when I visited the Rielley house on Polk Blvd., after Prom, when I needed another helping of pie on Thanksgiving, teaching me how to harvest basil plants and make pesto with my little Black/Decker Mini Chopper in Western Springs, etc. She will be missed but never forgotten. Sending hugs and prayers (AND congratulations to her on her “recent promotion”) : ) xo
Oh dear! I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother; she was a sweet lady. You (Debra and Marie) and your family are in my thoughts. My deepest condolences…
Praying for your family Marie. ❤️
Very sorry to hear of this loss of a family member. God Speed and prayers to all.
I’m Very sorry, we have lost Rita a wonderful woman and mother.
Odile and I with our 4 children would drive to Rita and Bernie’s home in
Des Moines Iowa from Ellisville Missouri many Thanksgivings weekends.
We would spend a day baking pies for the event. All of the eight children would run and burn energy so they could eat more pie. We had a home Mass, sang a lot, and had a blessed time.
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. I will be praying for peace in your life.