Mary Rita Bourgeois Booth passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by family on December 14, 2017.  Mary, was the daughter of Edmond Simon Bourgeois and Ethel Melonie Young Bourgeois, born on Nov. 28, 1928 in Chinchuba, LA. She graduated at the age of 16 from St. Scholistica Academy in Covington, LA.  Mary Rita's employment history included Coca Cola, Bell South as a telephone operator and working the ticket counter at the local movie theater in Covington, LA.  However, her greatest job was being a loyal and loving wife to her husband, Otto Preston Booth. They were united in marriage on April 8, 1951 and shared 50 beautiful years together before his passing in 2001.  Their years together included much travel to places like Denison, TX - New Orleans, LA - Tripoli, Africa - Massachusetts - Sumter, South Carolina - Zaragoza, Spain - Lincoln, Nebraska - and finally ending up in San Antonio, Texas.

Mary Rita and Otto were graced with 10 children: Catherine, Charles, Christopher (deceased 1985), Curtis, Cynthia, Elizabeth, Theresa, Michael, Lawrence, and Janet. They were also paternal figures to many of their children's friends, most notably, Joseph Maldonado.  Mary Rita's passion included spending time with family and friends especially her breakfast group, traveling every chance she could (for someone who did not drive, she sure got around) and writing letters and cards of love and encouragement.

Mary Rita was known to be a loyal friend to many. An amazing example of this was her friendship with Mary Jane Wilson; whom she had known since elementary school.  Her love of games came into play every day, from Tok to canasta. Everyone learned to play just to listen and see her expressions - win or lose.  She was a devout Catholic and attended church regularly before her illness didn't allow it.  She insisted on hugs, kisses, chocolates, humorous one liners, giving her warm smile or infectious laughter.  Her community service included but not limited to being a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church since 1966, a member of the altar society, assisting with CCD classes, volunteering at the religious articles shop at the church and a member of the senior citizen group.

Mary Rita is survived by her children as well as her grandchildren; Amber, Justin, Courtney, Christopher, Hailey, Lisa, Ryan, Savanah, Lauren, Joshua, Jessica, Jaimie, Jackie, Natalie, Bruce, Megan, Charles, Ashley, Anthony, and Eric.  She is also survived by her great grandchildren; Aubrey, Annabelle, Larry, Jasmine, Kylee, Harper, McKenzie, William, Dillon, Andrew, Londyn, Leah, Aiden, Haylee, Trinity, Addison, Westly, Deanna, Conner, Holly and Melody.  She is survived also by her brothers Raymond Bourgeois, Leo Bourgeois, Francis Bourgeois, and her sister Lucille Pollok.

FUNERAL SERVICES

Thursday, December 28th

Visitation at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

4222 SW Loop 410

will begin at 6:00 P.M. with a
Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M.

Friday, December 29th

Visitation will begin again at 5:00 P.M.

Funeral Service will begin at 6:00 P.M.

The Angelus Chapel

1119 N. St. Mary's St.

Saturday, December 30th

Interment

9:00 A.M.

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to

St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church - Valley Hi,

4222 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78227

or to the

San Antonio Botanical Garden

555 Funston, San Antonio, Texas 78209

in her honor and memory.