CHAZY — Rita Esther Laurin, 81, of Lake Shore Road, Chazy, died peacefully, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh with her loving family by her side. She was born in Potsdam, N.Y. Sept. 26, 1931, daughter of the late Bernard and Laura (Zoller) Pilger and adopted daughter of the late Russell and Loretta (LeBlanc) Pilger.
She married Francis X. Laurin of Chazy in a double ceremony shared with her twin sister, Lita on April 29, 1950. In earlier years, Rita worked on the Apple Orchard and with her husband on the family farm.
Rita was a member of St. Ann's Church Ladies Auxiliary for many years. She enjoyed canning and cooking in her free time and always loved spending time with her family. She also enjoyed Sunday afternoon rides where she would explore the back roads all over the North Country.
Her loving family includes her husband of 62 years, Francis X. Laurin of Chazy, her children, Robert Laurin and wife Deborah of Coopersville, Susan LaBelle and husband David of Chazy and Jeannine Laurin and companion Roy Baker of Isle la Motte, Vt., her sister Lita Brunelle and husband Leo, her grandchildren, Michele Laurin, Jason Laurin, Nadine LaBelle Matott, Doreen LaBelle, Jamie Sue LaBelle, Miranda LaBelle, Damie Bruley and Mickey Bruley, and her great-grandchildren, Madison, Kali and Rachel Bushey, Gillian and Ava Laurin, Seth Matott-LaBelle, Wyatt Matott, Jolie and Rowan Krohn and Hunter Hemmingway.
In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by two brothers, Bernard Pilger Jr. and Dean Pilger, and two sisters Faye and Theresa Pilger.
Calling Hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25, at M.B. Clark Funeral Home, 196 Elm Street, Champlain, N.Y. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26 at St. Joseph's Church, Mason Road, Coopersville, N.Y. with Rev. Clyde A. Lewis, pastor, celebrating the mass. Burial will be at a later date in the parish cemetery. Contributions in Rita's memory may be made to St. Joseph's Church in c/o St. Patrick's Rectory, 138 Lake St., Rouses Point, NY 12979.
To light a memorial candle by sharing a thought or memory, please visit the familys guestbook at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com
