Rita Garrity Palotta

Rita Garrity Palotta, a former realtor, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026 at the age of 91. She grew up in Algiers, LA one of eleven children born to the late James D Garrity and Evelyn Depaul Garrity. Rita leaves on to cherish her memory, her daughter Bridget P. Hellmers (Michael). She was a deeply loved grandmother to Matthew Hellmers (Linh), Michelle Mata (Antonio), and Melanie Lemoine (Clayton). Rita is also survived by seven great grandchildren, her siblings, August Garrity, Thomas Garrity (Susan), and Mary Ann Murr. Rita also leaves behind to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph C. Palotta and siblings, Thais Bunton, Leah Dooling, Judy Toups, James Garrity, John Joseph Garrity, Gerald Garrity, and Carol Garrity. Rita was a life-long devoted Catholic that attended mass faithfully. The family would like to thank her nieces, Jean Marston and Marion Pastrana for their assistance and support.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026 from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at the Grace Funeral Home (450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA). A Catholic Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 26, 2026 at Grace Funeral Home (450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA). Entombment will follow in Lakelawn Cemetery.