Obituary of Rita Marie Stacey Jaques

Rita was born in East St Louis, IL in 1928, and passed on April 6, 2023.

She graduated from St Teresa’s Academy in 1946. Rita lived a life defined by love, compassion, and a rare persistence for life that inspired all who were lucky enough to know her. An incredible planner and organizer, Rita understood the power in gathering loved ones, and threw the greatest parties as a result. She organized countless events, both personal and professional, during her long career in the food industry. She was planning her 95th when she passed. Rita believed in the significance of hard work, and even worked until the age of 85 as a caregiver-an occupation that brought her many close friends along the way.

There was simply nobody else quite like Rita. Even in the wake of her absence, Rita”s life inspires us to offer help to others whenever we can, and to work with what we have rather than lament what we may lack. Rooted in her faith and guided by her strong spirit, Rita will always be remembered for the way she loved others and her ability to light up any room. 

Rita was preceded in death by her children: Ron, Roseann, Derrill, Ken and Paul; her parents Chris and Jo Stacey, and her brother Omar Stacey. She is survived by her daughter Shermayne Young and her son Chris Torkelson, 12 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren, a niece Donna Faye Mawson, and a nephew Tom Stacey. 

Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Aunt and Friend: We love you, and we’re blessed to have had you in our lives. Your legacy will always live on through the relationships you fostered with us all. 

Donations may be made to St Jude’s

Her ashes to be interred at Terrace Lawn Cemetery Boise, ID at at later date.