[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 203 (Wednesday, December 2, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING RITA MARIE BRUS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 2, 2020

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I would like to include 
in the Record the following obituary for Rita Marie Brus.

       Rita Marie Brus, age 91, passed away on November 27, 2020. 
     She was the beloved wife of the late James Brus, Sr. Rita was 
     born on November 13, 1929 to the late Joseph and the late 
     Florence Choiniere. Dear mother of the late James Brus, Jr. 
     Mother-in-law to Kathleen Brus. Cherished grandmother to 
     Matthew Brus, and Kimberly (Patrick) Lusch. Adored great-
     grandmother to Kylan, Kinsleigh, and Kamden Lusch. Loving 
     sister to Sister Mary Choiniere SSJ, Margaret (Harvey) 
     Richardson, the late Joseph (the late Georgina) Choiniere, 
     the late Bernadette (Ralph) Dunnigan, and the late Robert 
     Choiniere. Rita was loved by many nieces, nephews, great-
     nieces, and great-nephews.
       When the love of her life died young, Rita went back to 
     school and became a dietary supervisor. She spent years 
     working at St. John Nursing Home in Detroit. She cherished 
     her time with her grandchildren, spending weekends with them. 
     She was a devout Catholic, and sponsored numerous people 
     through confirmation. Rita was Godmother to over eight family 
     members. She held a special place in her heart for those with 
     disabilities, including two great nieces, and donated time 
     with the Special Olympics. Widowed for 40 years, Rita 
     instilled the importance of Catholic values, such as 
     attending Mass and the Sacraments, in her family.
       Her husband's Upper Peninsula roots rubbed off on Rita, as 
     she passed on her love of cooking pasties and other comfort 
     foods. She loved a great family gossip conversation and as a 
     result, you always knew where you stood with Rita! 
     Conversations with Rita always started with her asking how 
     her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were. Her great-
     grandchildren loved being pushed on her walker as they raced 
     down the hallways. She shared a special bond with her sister, 
     Margaret. Also of great importance to Rita were her many 
     nieces and nephews, all of whom she treated like her own.
       Despite suffering through many losses, including that of 
     her husband and her only son, Rita instilled in her family 
     the importance of always putting God first.
       How blessed we are to have had Rita in our lives! Heaven 
     has gained a spunky angel!

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