Maria 'Rita' Gobert, 71

Maria "Rita" Gobert, 71, passed away after a long battle with kidney cancer on March 15, 2011, in Coeur d'Alene.

Born in Holland, she moved to Australia, Canada, and then to the United States of America. It was there in San Francisco, Calif., where she had her first date on a street car with the love of her life Bill Gobert. She married Bill on Oct. 22, 1962, and made her home in the bay area. Shortly thereafter they were blessed with two children: Loretta and Yvonne.

Rita was a self-taught, accomplished artist who enjoyed taking classes, Plein air painting and participating in the Coeur d'Alene Art Association, where she met many wonderful lifelong friends.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years and her daughters and son-in-law, Loretta Gobert, Yvonne and Mike Roque; her grandchildren, Sarah and her husband Chris, Corinne, Laura and Hannah. Also surviving are her seven siblings Ann, Terry, Jean, Sonya, Cobbie, Debbie and her brother Ray.

Viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d'Alene, prior to the funeral Mass. The funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Coeur d'Alene.

English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Rita's online memorial and sign her guest registry at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.