Rita M. Welch

Rita M. Welch, age 91, of Toledo, OH passed away Sunday, November 15, 2009, at Franciscan Care Center surrounded by her family. She was born December 1, 1917 to Albert and Alice Metty. She attended St. Francis de Sales and Cathedral grade schools. She graduated from Central Catholic High School and finished her education at De Sales College. She was at employed at Bellman's Grocery Store, as secretary for Msgr. McIlwain at De Sales College, and as secretary for Msgr. Shumaker, Superintendent of Catholic Schools. Rita was a volunteer at St. Vincent's Cardiac Center. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish for 65 years, served as President of Rosary Altar Society, and was an original adorer at Eucharistic Perpetual Adoration. She was also a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. Rita was preceded in death by her parents; Albert and Alice; her husband Harold and her brothers and sisters; Blanche, Norbert, Alva, Marcella, Jule, and Eileen. She is survived by her children; Dr. Thomas (Corinne) Welch; Donna (John) O'Connell; Colleen Morrissey; and Dr. Harold (Lois) Welch; her grandchildren; Tom, Tim, Tina, Tania, Terrence, Todd, Colleen, Clayton, Marita, Andra, John, Peter, Madonna, Laura, Deanna, Harold, Sharon, John Paul, Annie and her great-grandchildren; Victoria, Thomas, Paul, John, Matthew, Kathryn, Nicholas, Joey, Lydia, Adam, Owen, Allison, Emily, David, Jordan, Daniel, Jackson, Charlie, Brady, Kyllian, Kassidy, Beck, Mia, Trent, Michaela, Kylie, Madison, Christopher, Blake, Max, Chelsea, Claudia, Simon, Thomas, Owen, Cecilia, Colin, Hayden and Dylan and many nieces and nephews. It was our privilege to have a mother who taught us how to live by her example. There was nothing she asked her children to do that she had not already taken upon herself. This extended to us through her faith, love and strength. She would always sacrifice what she needed for the needs of those around her. Her life principle was to do what she ought to do rather than what she wanted. And she prayed her rosary incessantly for her immediate and extended families. We love you deeply, Mother. Visitation will be at Ansberg-West Funeral Home on Thursday, November 19, 2009 from 2 to 8pm. Scripture service will be at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Parish on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 11am. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. The family would like to thank everyone at the Franciscan Care Center for their exceptional and loving care of our mother. In particular we would like to thank Mickey and Audrey. Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of Blessed Sacrament Parish. Online condolences may be made at www.ansberg-west.com.

Rita M. Welch

December 1, 1917 - November 15, 2009