Rita M. Upton

Rita grew up in Hartford, CT and attended Hartford High School and then went to work at the Aetna Life Insurance Company. On October 30, 1948 Rita married Howard Turner Upton, Jr. of Norwich, CT. She worked at the American Thermos Company for a short time before moving to their permanent home in North Stonington, CT where they raised two daughters.

Rita was a loving, caring mother and grandmother, and a good neighbor and friend. Rita belonged to the Neighborhood Association in her neighborhood, and the Cooperative Extension Service in Norwich. She enjoyed taking floral arranging and cake decorating classes with her good friend Betty McCord. Her favorite past times were cooking, reading and watching her favorite soaps and the food channel. Rita will be remembered for her vivacious laugh. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her.

Rita is survived by her two daughters, Barbara J. DeSarro (Robert A. DeSarro Sr.) of Austin, TX, Beverly Upton Miner of Norlina, NC; five Grandchildren: Nicole Cuellar (James Cuellar) of Dallas, TX, Robert A. DeSarro,Jr. (Jennifer DeSarro) of Austin, TX; Rachael Real of Denver, CO: Rosanna Berrocales Camara of Middletown, CT; Jessika Miner of Cedar Creek, TX; Ten Great Grandchildren; One Great-Great Grandchild: Brother Joseph Philip Lavoie of Rocky Hill, CT: 13 Nieces and Nephews; preceded in death: her husband Howard Turner Upton, Jr.: brothers; Edward Lavoie ( Elizabeth Lavoie);George Lavoie (Carman Lavoie):brother-in-law George Upton ( Dorothy Upton): two nephews:

Funeral services will be held at the Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich, CT 06360 at 10 am Saturday March 7, 2015. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich, CT.

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