Rose-Ann M. LaJoice

Rose-Ann Marie (Rapson) LaJoice, a gracious hostess, proud mother and loyal friend, 76, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2018. She was born in Detroit on September 25, 1941 to Chester and Gertrude (Kanzler) Rapson. Rose-Ann was raised in the Upper Peninsula. She married Patrick J. LaJoice, of St. Ignace on November 9, 1964 in Brimley, Mich.

Rose-Ann was always a phone call away — she would be there to help. After her father died, Rose-Ann being the first born of her siblings, took on many responsibilities on the family farm, which led to a very close-knit family. She worked as a phone operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company in St. Ignace. She was also the cafeteria manager for the State of Michigan Treasury Building, Teacher’s Aide at Eaton Rapids Schools and retired from Walmart in Charlotte after 15 years of service. Rose-Ann was very charitable, and a devoted Catholic serving at St. Jude’s, and St. Mary Church, and involved in Women’s groups and Bible studies over the years.

Rose-Ann loved to travel and visit her family. One of her most cherished trips was traveling to Italy and visiting the Vatican and Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi where St Francis of Assisi lived and where he began the Franciscan Order. Her hobbies included collecting, crocheting, and crafting. Rose-Ann loved playing cards and learning new games while chatting with friends.

Rose-Ann is survived by her husband, Patrick; sons, John K. LaJoice of Florida, Ray P. LaJoice, and Michael G. LaJoice of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Eric LaJoice, David LaJoice, Chad LaJoice and Kaylee Connor; great-grandson, Remington Connor; siblings, George (Gloria) Rapson, John (Betty) Rapson, Gary (Susan) Rapson, Mary (Robert) Squires, Darlene (David) Taylor, Leo (Connie) Rapson and Lorraine (Marty) Rapson.

She was preceded in death by parents; infant son, James LaJoice; and sister, Teresa Valerie Semasky.

Visitation was held Friday, February 23, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:15 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Mary Catholic Church.

Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Rose-Ann’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.