Rita Violet DeFouw (Rupinski)

Rita Violet DeFouw (Rupinski) aged 89 of Grand Rapids went to be with the Lord on Friday May 31, 2024. Rita was preceded in death by her husband Richard, her granddaughter Maria Therese Fagan, her parents Louis and Violet Rupinski, and her brother Chester Rupinski. Rita will be lovingly missed by her children and grandchildren Kathy (Daniel) Fagan, Karen (Kevin) Bouwhuis, Susan (Keith) Anderson, Greg (Susan) DeFouw, Laurie (Randal) Hans, Theresa (Francis) Darr; her grandchildren Patrick Fagan, Timothy Fagan, James Fagan, Claire (Nathaniel) Scott, Madeliene (Gabriel) Hawley, Peter Fagan, Megan (Robert) Schmidt, Lindsey (Jacob) VanDyke, Joshua Bouwhuis, Anthony (Katie) Bouwhuis, Christina (Arty) Saily, Justin (fiancé Kate) Anderson, Kristen (fiancé Gabriel) Anderson, Noah (Katie) DeFouw, Seth (Becca) DeFouw, Leah DeFouw, Zach DeFouw, Taylor Hans, Trevor Hans, Maximilian (Kylee) Darr, Gemma Darr, Liam Darr and Kateri Darr; her great grandchildren Adrian, Eammon, Beckett, Vivienne, Eleanor, Isabelle, Isaac, Oliver, Sophia, Lucy, Millie, Jack, Riley, Maven and three more on the way; sister-in-law JoAnne VanOs; nieces, nephews and many friends. Rita’s greatest love and first priority was always her family. She consistently placed their needs before her own. Rita placed her faith in God and put her energy into kindness and generosity to others. She looked for the good in everyone and was quick to send out a card for any occasion. Rita enjoyed walking and camping, attending her family’s activities and found great peace in praying the Rosary with a special devotion to Our Lady. Rita was a member of the Pray from the Heart Prayer Group, the Our Lady Rosary Makers, a Pro-Life advocate, organized the Divine Mercy Sundays, distributed the monthly message from Our Lady of Medjugorje and was a long time supporter of the Carmelite Sisters. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday 11:00 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Rita will repose at the church one hour before the Mass. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW where the Rosary will be prayed Monday at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations to her favorite charities, The Carmelite Monastery or HELP Pregnancy Center.

Tributes

Rita Violet DeFouw (Rupinski)

February 15, 1935 - May 31, 2024