Rita F. Champagne

April 18, 1933 - January 20, 2017

Rita F. Champagne, age 83, of Bad Axe, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2017 at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe. Rita was born in Bad Axe on April 18, 1933, daughter of the late Xavier and Sophia (Lemanski) Respondek. She married Lee Champagne on April 25, 1952 at Sacred Heart Parish in Bad Axe. Rita worked at ST&H Oil Company for 20 years before retiring to stay at home and raise her children. She babysat for numerous families while taking care of her own children. She loved to play Bingo, Euchre and reading. Her greatest pleasure came from knitting and crocheting baby outfits for the Staff at Courtney Manor, who cared for her. After 10 years there, everyone was Family to her. Rita is survived by: 1 Daughter- Linda (Alan) English of Bad Axe. 2 Sons-Ronald Champagne of Caro and Donald Champagne of Orlando, FL. Grandchildren-Margot Athena Champagne, Ethan Maurer, Dawn Ricker and Michelle London. Great-grandchildren-Chandler London, Ryan London, Randi Ricker and Brandon Ricker. Rita was preceded in death by: Husband- Lee Champagne Sisters-Irene Watchowski and Helen Tono. Brother-Lawrence Respondek. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 23, 2017 at 11 am. at St. Hubert Parish-Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bad Axe. Officiating will be Fr. Rob Howe, pastor. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Kaufman Funeral Home in Bad Axe on Sunday, January 22, 2017 from 1-6 pm or Monday at the church from 10 am until the service time at 11 am.