S Ritva 'Rit' H. (Joki) Belliveua

WORCESTER - Ritva "Rit" H. (Joki) Belliveau, 69, of Worcester, who was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 29, 1941, passed away peacefully at UMass Memorial Healthcare-University Campus on Monday, January 17, 2011 after a long battle with cancer.

She is preceeded in death by her father & mother, William & Helen (Erickson) Joki of Rutland, a sister, Mrs. Miriam K (Joki) Chaplis of Rutland, and her husband of 37 years, Francis A. Belliveau. She leaves behind a brother, Olavi Joki and his wife Bella of Dearborn, MI, a sister, Hilkka Hagman of Rutland, a son, Mark A. Belliveau and his wife Connie of Knoxville, Tennessee, a daughter, Theresa R. (Belliveau) MacNeil and her husband Stephen of Worcester; her only granddaughter, Laura MacNeil of Worcester; several nieces and nephews, as well as many cherished friends as far away as Finland.

Ritva was raised in Rutland and was a graduate of Wachusett Regional High School, class of 1960 and a graduate of Salter Secretarial School, now Salter College. For 22 years, she worked at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the Electrical Engineering Dept., and for 12 years she worked at Hanover Insurance Company. Ritva was a long time, valued member of the Finnish Heritage Society, Sovittaja in Rutland.

She was an accomplished accordionist for 54 years and played recently at the Finnish Heritage Society's Christmas party in December 2010, while battling cancer. Throughout her musical career, she played for hundreds of social events, predominately in the New England area, but as far away as California. In the late 60s, she and her late husband created "Exodus", a musical band for lovers of Scandinavian folk dances.

Ritva battled cancer for 9 years. She was always strong willed, had faith, and never lost her determination to fight the disease. Even in her final moments, she was laughing and joking with her family and friends. She loved to laugh and always gave of herself. Her family and friends loved her very much as she did them. The woman known a "Rit" will always be cherished in the hearts of many.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, January 24th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. Immediately following the visitation, a short funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. and led by Pastor Marty Holman of the Fellowship Church of Holden. Burial will be private in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com