Rita Hessian, age 92, of Jordan, MN passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 10, 2020. A Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11AM on Tuesday, April 21st at St. Thomas Catholic Church in St. Thomas, MN. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan, MN. Friends are invited to live stream Rita’s service at the following link: Funeral Streaming.
On April 23, 1927 in St. Thomas, MN, Rita Katherine was born to James and Agnes (Retka) Sullivan. She married Dr. James H. Hessian on June 20, 1953 and they were blessed with six children: Jay, Dave, Paula, Mary, Joan, Amy.
The legacy of Rita will live on in her children, Dave, Paula (Bob), Mary (Rick), Joan, Amy (Mike); daughter-in-law Lori, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Welcoming Rita home in eternal peace is her husband Jim; son Jay; parents and all of her siblings.
A special thank you to the loving and compassionate care teams of both Emerald Crest and Grace Hospice.
Condolences can be left at www.ballardsunderfuneral.com and cards can be mailed to Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 West First St., Jordan, MN 55352 and will be delivered to the Hessian family. Memorials preferred to be donated in Rita’s name to St. John’s Catholic School in Jordan, MN.
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Dan and Kathy
Our deepest sympathies to Rita’s family. Rita was a fine women and will always be dear to our hearts. God bless you all, be safe!
Annie Kartak
Dave, Paula, Mary, Joan and Amy,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom’s death. It is hard to lose the unconditional love of a mother no matter her age. I have such wonderful memories of her. May you find comfort during this difficult time in spite of the challenges the pandemic presents. It would be so nice to see you all, but for now please accept my sympathy.
CaroleStahler Cole
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your mom was a wonderful woman and I always considered both she and your dad as neighbors in that they welcomed me with what ever animal I showed up at your door with. Jordan has lost one of its loveliest ladies. Take care, Carole Stahler Cole
JoAnn Beuch
My thoughts and prayers to you all, keep the memories of your Mom close to heart.
Catherine Jindra Oppegard
My prayers are with you. Rita, ”Miss Sullivan” was my third-grade teacher at St. Raphael Catholic School in Montgomery. It truly was the happiest of my school years. She was a caring and kind teacher. My sympathy to her family.
Kyle and Kathy Thill
It was hard to hear about your mother’s passing. We want to express our sincere sympathy to your family, she was a great friend of our family.
Kim Dirks
Such a beautiful lady! She sure raised a wonderful, loving, and caring family. I have so many fond memories of Rita while growing up with Amy. She will be missed by many.
Holly Vohnoutka
Thinking of all the time I spent at the Hessian household . Rita was always so welcoming & kind. She always made me feel like part of the family. Thinking of you all & praying for you! God Bless!
Love, Kevin & Holly Vohnoutka
Mary Weierke
To All of Rita’s Family
RITA has been a part of our family for as long as I can remember. Our Mother’s friendship was so special. They sure had many fun times! Rita was loved and will be greatly missed. I’m so sorry for your loss.
With Love,
Mary Hedstrom Weierke
Terri Born
Many days were spent at the Hessian home and Fish Lake cabin, with Rita’s calm, nurturing presence as “the kids” played. I will remember her fondly. Peace to Rita and your families.
Ann Sullivan Tanaka
To all the Hessians and your families,
Your mother will be missed. But we all have many wonderful memories of Rita. May she keep living in our hearts and through our families. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Jerry Langsweirdt
What a fine lady…….always enjoyed talking and visiting with her……..She was so proud of all of you……Hope you are all doing fine in this unusual time…..stay healthy………..What a sad time to have a funeral to say goodbye to your loved one. Remember all of you well…
Mark and Robin Bekckman
So sorry for your loss at this difficult time. Wishing you joy-filled memories and comfort in knowing Rita will be welcomed into heaven by Doc and Jay and she will take her place among God’s angels. Prayers and hugs to her children and grandchildren.
Mark and Robin Beckman
Judith Sullivan
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, and I am remembering Gemma Hession, who is not able to be with you. I did watch the service, which was a good way to celebrate Rita’s full life.
Judy Sullivan
Mike Hessian
Sorry for your loss.
Barb Miller
Thinking of you all. God Bless!
June m Downing
Dear Dave, Paula, Mary, Joan & Amy,
April 22 2020 2:45pm
I wanted to let you all know, I am thinking of you and praying for God’s strength and many blessings of love & peace. You are a wonderful family, I will always keep your mom in my heart, she was a special aunt and sister to Audree. So happy they are together again!
Take care & look forward to seeing you all.