Lolita M. Borcherding
Lolita M. Borcherding, 75, of New Haven, MO passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 3, 2023 surrounded by her family at Mercy Hospital – Saint Louis.
Lolita Marie Figone was born September 3, 1947 in Sullivan, MO to John and Elsie (Reitz) Figone. She grew up and attended grade school at St. Anthony Catholic School and then went on to attend and graduate from Sullivan High School, class of 1965.
Shortly after high school, Lolita was united in marriage to Floyd Cox. Together they were blessed with two children, Gregory & Elizabeth. They continued raising their family in the Sullivan area. After both children were in school, Lolita set her mind to obtaining a degree in music education. She started out taking courses at East Central College, but eventually enrolled in classes at Fontbonne University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education.
Lolita then began her career with the Sullivan School District where she taught Elementary Music for some years before moving to the high school to continue her career there as the Choir Director. Among her many successes was the development of the Madrigal dinners, which became a highlight for so many for the Christmas season. She also furthered her own education and completed a Master’s Degree in Education from Webster University. Altogether, Lolita served within the Sullivan School District for 27 years.
Prior to her teaching career, Lolita gave piano lessons to children to encourage their love of music. She was also a very devoted and nurturing mother. She enjoyed cooking meals, baking, decorating, and sewing. Lolita loved traveling and going on road trips with her children, sightseeing, and being on the water at the Lake of the Ozarks.
In more recent years, Lolita met the love of her life, Brad Borcherding, through a mutual friend. Lolita and Brad were soon united in marriage on November 26, 2011. Together they settled on Brad’s family farm in New Haven where they built their dream home and shared countless memories together. Lolita traded the busy “town life” for a slower paced retirement at the farm. She enjoyed spending time gardening, hosting family gatherings, and spending time with Sofie, Livvie, and Gregory. She especially loved reading to her grandchildren.
Lolita and Brad also enjoyed traveling from coast to coast. Mountains and oceans were their favorite destinations. She often referred to her trip to Italy with her sister as the trip of her lifetime.
Her faith was very important to her. Lolita served as both the organist and choir director of St. Anthony Catholic Church for many years. She will be so dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Lolita is survived by her loving husband, Brad Borcherding, of New Haven, MO; a son, Gregory Cox and wife Jackie of New Haven, MO; a daughter, Elizabeth Jasper and husband Jeff of Wentzville, MO; nine grandchildren: Sofia Jasper, Olivia Jasper, Jonathan Cox and wife Suri, Theodor Cox and wife Anna, Nicholas Lau and wife Atti, Patrick Lau and wife Anna, Andrew Lau, Margaret Lau, and Lauren Sutterer and husband Chris; one great-grandson, Gregory Cox; two sisters-in-law, Lisa Housson and husband Joe of Houston, TX and Viva Lou Carey of Sullivan, MO; numerous special nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elsie; a brother, Jerry Carey; and a sister, Kitty Chapman.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM, Saturday, January 7, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Sullivan with Father Paul Telken celebrating. Interment will follow in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be 4 – 8 PM, Friday, January 6, 2023 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Online condolences may be shared with Lolita’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.