"What a lady! Culhane family....so sorry to read of Rita's passing. As did so many, I spent a lot of time with your Mom in class as well as on the road at many sporting events. She was always very generous with her time, encouragement and care. She was one of a kind and will be remembered well. Thinking of you! Brenda"
In loving memory of
Rita Mary Culhane
May 20, 1925 - June 4, 2009
Rushford,
Rita Mary Culhane, 84, of Rushford died Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford.
She was born May 20, 1925 in Winona to James and Loretta (Hogan) Waters. Rita graduated from St. Boniface Catholic School in Waumandee, WI and from Arcadia High School. She then attended and graduated from St. Theresa's College in Winona with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. On June 9, 1949 Rita married John Allyn Culhane. They made their home in Rushford. Rita taught at Caledonia High School for a few years. She then taught at Rushford High School, where she coached girl's sports teams and was an advisor for many activities. She retired in 1989.
Rita was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, having served as a trustee. She had also been involved in the Priscilla Club, American Legion Auxiliary and the Library Board.
Survivors include her five children; Peggy (Donny) Ziegler of Peterson, Mary Pat (Phil) Poisell of Tomah, WI, Jack (Jody) Culhane of Marathon, WI, Jim (LuAnn) Culhane and Molly (Mark) Wieser both of Rushford, grandchildren; Heather & Loretta Clark, Deedee Torgeson, Andy Poisell, Lindsey (Aaron) Peterson, Dustin, Joseph & Matthew Culhane, Clara, Abigail & Benjamin Wieser, a brother John (Kay) Waters of Bloomington, a special sister-in-law Betty Culhane of Rushford, a sister-in-law Patty Waters of Albert Lea, a special cousin Mary Margaret Steffen and a brother-in-law Richard Bloom of Fort Meyers, FL. She was preceded in death by her husband John on April 27, 1968, also by her parents, brothers Harold and James Waters a sister Terri Bloom and a granddaughter Amy Culhane.
A Funeral Mass will be offered at 11AM Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rushford with The Reverend Joseph Pete officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford from 3-7 PM Sunday and one hour before services Monday at the church. A Rosary will be recited a 6:30 PM Sunday at the funeral home.
Please share a memory of Rita on-line at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"We're sorry to hear of Rita's passing -our condolences to you all. I (Carol) remember babysitting for two of you (Peggy and Mary Pat) when I was in high school - Rita was such a nice woman and surely will be missed."
"Our deepest sympathies to the Culhane faily. Rita has been a big part of all family gatherings during our lifes. We will miss her enthusiasm and care. She was a particular favorite of our late mother, Kate as well as everyone in our family. Our prayers are with the Culhane family."
"I am so sorry to hear of the death of your Mom. She will always be a very fond memory of my years at RHS. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. God's blessings, Lisa Dietrich..."
"Peggy, Mary Pat, Jack, Jim & Molly, Your Mom was a great lady! I have many special memories of times spent at your house in our younger years. She didn't even get after us too much with our sleepovers - even when Mary Pat & I went out dancing in our pajamas in the snow! When my daughter was young she would call your Mom "the lady that lives in the castle house". I know how hard this time can be and please know that I am thinking of you all. Cherish your memories. Pat"
"We were sorry to read about Rita's passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Chris & Tammie Rothering"
"Peggy,Mary Pat,Jack,Jim,and Molly, We want to express our sincere sympathy to you and your families at the loss of your mom. She was a great lady and will be missed by so many. Distance will keep us from being there, but our thoughts and prayers are with you at this trying time. Can you imagine the great reunion happening in heaven today? Culhanes have always been known for their celebrations. This has to be a grand one and just in time for your Mom and Dad's anniversary. (Your Dad was my Godfather and as a couple they were special and caring to me.) So many memories are flooding back to me --you must know that memories are what make acceptance possible. Take care and our love to you all, Rose Marie ,Ed, and Quinn Bott"
"I was so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. Rita was very special to my entire family. She was the mother of close friends, she helped us all mature as a teacher and mentor, she was very involved at our church and she was one of the kindest, fun characters to be around. She will be deeply missed because of all she gave while she was with us. My thoughts and prayers to the family."
"Jack, Jody, Lindsey, Aaron & Dustin, You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hold on to the memories. God be with you always, love Brad & Jo "
"My deepest sympathy to all of you in the passing of your Mom and Grandma. Unfortunatley I won't be able to come down for the visitation or funeral, but please know I will be thinking of all of you. With my sympathy to all of your family. Sue Skree... "
"Sorry to hear about Rita's death. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Steve"
"We are all very sorry for your families loss. Rita was not with us for very long, but we know she was a very kind and caring lady who was loved deeply by her family. We will miss her a lot and hope you know your family is in our hearts. You had a lot of wonderful years with Rita and your memeories will never fade. Your family has our deepest sympathies."
"It was 60years ago I met you when I was in your wedding. I was John's only girl cousin that was old enough. Over the years you have been so much more to me. I remember one time we were talking and said we can't chose our relatives, only our friends but we decided we were really friends. All the times we would invade your house. Harold and I and the girls. You always said "no problem". We were made to so very welcome. I will never forget the camping trip to MoneyCreek and Harold's view of comuning with naature. He advised us to go "kiss the tree in the front yard", after that. Love always, Patty"
"Dear Family, The neighborhood will not be the same without Rita. When we moved into the neighborhood 33 years ago, Rita gave us the neighborhood rule. You only mow your lawn once a week, period... We have always obeyed her rule. Not only was Rita a friend, but she was the mother to our daughters friends, Jim and Molly, and also their teacher. Please accept our sincere sympathy. It will take time to heal the hole she left in your lives, but remember, she is with God and free from all pain and is whole again Henry and Jeannette"
"Peggy, Mary Pat, Jack, Jim, Molly and your families - I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Rita. She was a strong and courageous lady that will be missed. I am truly sorry that I will not be able to attend the visitation and funeral services as my job is taking me to California Sunday morning. I will always remember Aunt Rita meeting me at her front door when we came to visit with a handshake and a "Hello Boss!" Please accept my sincere sympathy and know that Stacey and I are praying for all of you. Sincerely, Dan"