Rita Ostrowski

Rita O. Ostrowski, a beloved wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, passed away at the age of 95 on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at Norris Square in Cottage Grove.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am Monday, July 27, 2015 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley Ave., St. Paul Park with burial at the church cemetery. Visitation will be 3-6 pm Sunday, July 26, 2015 at Kok Funeral Home, 1201 Portland Ave., St. Paul Park and also one hour prior to service at church on Monday. Memorials preferred to MS Society.

Rita Olive (Parenteau) Ostrowski was born June 12, 1920 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Peter and Lorena (Patri) Parenteau. She was married on June 23, 1941 to Joseph M. Ostrowski and the couple resided in St. Paul for a few years before moving to Newport in 1947. She loved being social and keeping in touch with people through the years. Her hobbies included ceramics, gardening, shopping and playing bunco. Rita loved spending time with her family and hosting events at her home. Rita served as a librarian for over 20 years at the Woodbury Elementary. After Joseph passed away in 2007, she continued to reside at their home in Newport until this day.

Rita is survived by her children, Michael, Patrick (Patti Staples), Joselle, Michele (Dwayne) Couillard; grandchildren, Kristen (Ben) DeGree and Michael Ostrowski; great-grandchildren, Madalyn and Easton; sister, Patricia Nordquist as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded by husband, Joseph, parents, Peter and Lorena; three brothers, Clyde, Jerome and Herman; sisters, Lois, Verona, Mary, Laura, Jean, Pauline and Rose Ann.