Obituary of Rita Theresa LaBore

Celebrating the Life of Rita Theresa LaBore October 22, 1938 - February 16, 2018 Rita LaBore was born Rita Theresa Mayer on October 22, 1938. She was the only child of Henry and Josephine (Eckle) Mayer. Her father owned Mayer Manufacturing Company, an awning and upholstery business in Mankato, Minnesota. He was awarded US Patent No.1,800,222 for an awning winch in 1931. Rita’s mother was 44 years old when Rita was born, and was in the first graduating class of nurses from Minnesota State University Mankato. Rita grew up in Mankato, Minnesota. She graduated from Loyola High School in 1956. Rita attended St. Theresa College in Winona, Minnesota where she studied nursing. She met her future husband, Lee LaBore, from the neighboring campus of St. Mary’s. Rita and Lee were married in 1961 and had four children Mark, Kenneth (Elaine), Michele (Jeff) and Jeannine (Dennis). She was loved by her grandchildren Kevin, Jenny, Madeline, Carson and Grace. Rita and Lee moved to Hopkins, Minnesota in 1970 where she lived for nearly forty years. Rita was a very social and caring person with many beloved friends. She enjoyed travel, fine dining, shopping for gifts for others, jazz music and theatre. Education was a huge focus in Rita’s life and she went back to school at the University of Minnesota where she graduated with high honors in 1978 with a Master’s Degree in Public Health. After receiving her masters, Rita taught nursing at the University of Minnesota before transitioning into a position as a school nurse. Rita was known for calling the kids (and everyone else) “Sweetie” or “Dear Heart.” She worked as a school nurse in the Robbinsdale School District for 23 years before retiring in 2001. Rita was a giving mother and wife. She was also a very attentive daughter to her parents. Rita would take great measures to ensure that everyone had a wonderful time at the holidays and special events such as graduations and birthdays. She would always arrive with a large bag full of thoughtful gifts for everyone. Rita was witty, sophisticated, happy, glamorous and truly unique. Rita was a devoted Catholic and always guided by the Church. She lived a life to be proud of. She was an honest, kind, true and loving mother and friend to many and will be greatly missed. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave. Edina, MN 55436. Visitation will be one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org or by check to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.