Rita Duthu Dion

Posted Monday, April 27, 2009

Rita Duthu Dion, 62, a native of Dulac, La., and a resident of Bourg, La., died Saturday, April 25.

She is survived by her loving husband, Howard Dion; son, Wesley; daughter, Carmelitte; “grandpuppy” Ozzie; sisters, Mae Smith, Nora Fitch, Libby Brunet and Rose Christen; and brothers, Emile Duthu, C.J. Duthu, Raymond Duthu, Houston Duthu, Myron Duthu and Kevin Christen

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rosemary Fazzio Duthu and Luke Duthu; brother, Joseph Duthu; infant brother, Roland Duthu; infant sister, Beverly Duthu; and nephew, Luke Brunet.

She was employed as a bookkeeper at Global Energy Warehouse, Inc. She was a parishioner of Holy Rosary Catholic Church where she began as a Lector and Eucahristic Minister. She also started, along with Janet Bergeron and Eurlie Williams, the Youth Ministry at Holy Rosary. In 1989, her best friend Vickie Chaisson joined the ministry, and together they gave their time and wisdom to the young people of the parish.

Vicky is Rita’s closest and dearest friend and has selflessly given of herself as a caregiver to Rita during her illness over the last 20 years. She played a primary role in the history of integration of Terrebonne Parish Schools, being the first Native American woman to attend and graduate from previously all-white South Terrebonne High School in 1965. Howard and Rita were also active in the fight for Native American civil rights, helping to organize the Houma Alliance in the mid-seventies. Their efforts led to state recognition of the United Houma Nation in 1977. Rita will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Louis Infant Center.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at Chauvin Funeral Home and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday with burial at the church cemetery.

Chauvin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Rita Duthu Dion