Rita M. Caron

Rita Marie Caron, age 92, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, December 27, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 5, 1927 in Escanaba, MI, the daughter of August and Lina (Ambeau) VanEffen. Rita was raised in Escanaba and was a 1945 graduate of Escanaba High School. She met the love of her life in the fourth grade, Herbert R. Caron, in 1937. On February 8 1947, Herbert and Rita were married at St. Patrick Church in Escanaba. They cherished each other for 71+ years and raised a loving and close-knit family. They were inseparable, doing nothing without each other until Herbert’s passing on December 18, 2017. Rita was a loving homemaker and cared for her husband and their children. She was strong in her Catholic faith as a member of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba. Rita loved life and everything life had to offer. She always found joy in the little things – especially dancing. Family meant everything to Rita. It was a weekly ritual for the entire family and close friends to get together every Friday and Sunday at Herb and Rita’s home. She was so proud of her family, adored her grandchildren, and cherished all of the laughs and memories that were made.

Rita Marie Caron is survived by sons, James (Sharon) Caron of Gladstone, Donald Caron of Escanaba, and Raymond Caron of Escanaba; daughters, Sherri Swanson (and special friend, Dale Latham) of Escanaba, Tracy (Jamie) Bruce of Escanaba, and Jean Ann (Randy) Malueg of Escanaba; grandchildren, Sylvia (Paul) Quadros, Jodi Jicha, Herbert Swanson, Donald, Jr. (Vicky) Caron, Deanna (Rick) Boucher, Raymond James Caron, Lindsay (Corey) Ostrander, Jami (Mike) Sharrow, Nicole (Lauren) Marshall , Brittany (Dane) Casperson, Anna Burch, and Travis Burch; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Rita was preceded in death by her son, Lawrence “Larry” Caron; as well as 14 brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Rita will follow at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Mike LeBeau officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the Anderson Funeral Home reception room. Burial will take place in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. 

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