Sister Rita Ann (Mary Louis) Beaulieu, OSB, 85, of St. Scholastica Monastery, died Saturday, April 23, 2011 at St. Scholastica Monastery. Rita Ann was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on August 12, 1925, one of three children born to Anthony Beaulieu and Bertille (Melanson) Beaulieu. She attended St. Jean-Baptiste Elementary and High School, graduating in 1944. She was a member of St. Jean’s Sodality. On January 7, 1947, she entered St. Scholastica Monastery and on July 9, 1947, was admitted to the novitiate, receiving the name, Sister Mary Louis. She professed her monastic vows July 11, 1948, and celebrated her Silver Jubilee August 15, 1973, her Golden Jubilee on July 11, 1998, and her Diamond Jubilee on August 3, 2008. Sister Rita Ann’s first and longest ministry was housemother to the pre-school children at St. James Orphanage from 1948-1957. After that she served in a variety of ministries at the Monastery, St. Mary’s Hospital, and St. Mary’s Convent in Duluth. Among these activities were being a Central Supply Aide at the hospital and a Teacher Aide at the United Day Activity Center for children with special needs and at the Monastery as Assistant Unit Manager on Benet Hall where she helped with activities. In 1991 she took care of the Guest Rooms at the Monastery and helped in the Priory store. In 1995 her ministry was visiting with the Sisters living on Benet Hall and on January 8, 1998, she became a resident there where she remained until her death. Sister Rita Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Bill and Ed. In addition to the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, she is survived by several nieces and nephews and many friends. A Wake service will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel at 9:30 a.m. with visitation following until 10:45. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel with Father Brian Schultz presiding. Interment will be at Gethsemane Cemetery. Memorials to St. Scholastica Monastery are preferred. Arrangements by Bell Brothers Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home.
