Marie Ann Abate Rider

Marie Ann Abate Rider, 87, of Lake Charles passed away at 2:45 PM on Thursday, June 1, 2017 in a local hospital.

Mrs. Rider was born on February 7, 1930 in Lake Charles where she was a lifelong resident. She was a graduate of LaGrange High School and in her later years enjoyed reuniting with school mates for the LaGrange Lunch Bunch. She continued her education at Northwestern State University receiving a business degree with a minor in social studies. Mrs. Rider began teaching business in Calcasieu Parish at Bell City High School and Westlake High School and also in Allen Parish at Belmont High School. She then worked for Dunn and Quinn Architects and Engineers before returning back to teaching business at Sowela Technical Institute following the sudden death of her husband. She retired from teaching in 1996. Mrs. Rider was a proud recipient of an Outstanding Teacher of the Year award. She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church where she belonged to the Catholic Daughters.

She devoted her life to being a caregiver to her children and parents. She worked hard as a single parent to put her three children through college. Mrs. Rider will be remembered as being selfless, giving, and helpful and for being devoted to her family and also for being a loyal friend to many.

Those left to cherish her memory are a daughter, Deborah Burch (Roger) of Onalaska, TX; two sons, Philip Rider (Gina) of Moss Bluff and Gary Rider (Kim) of Houston, TX; a brother, Charles Abate (Helen) of Lake Charles; seven grandchildren, Bryce Aaron Burch (Jennifer), Brittany Burch Arnaud (Floyd), Jesica Rider McArthur (David), Megan Rider Law (Matt), Sara Rider Green (Josh), Lauryn Marie Rider, and Jake William Rider; and ten great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander William “Bill” Rider and her parents, Rosabelle and Philip Abate.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Deacon George Carr will officiate. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Garden Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Tuesday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:30 PM. Visitation will resume on Wednesday from 8:00 AM until the start of the service.