Bernice Rioux

Bernice (Fanizzi) Rioux Died October 8, 2022, after a courageous struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was the beloved wife of the late Normand M. Rioux who predeceased her in 2013. Bernice was born in Montville, daughter of the late Nicolas and Lena (Young) Fanizzi.

Bernice attended Norwich Free Academy from 1952 -1955 where she took classes to prepare for nursing school. Due to family obligations, she was unable to graduate, which weighed heavily on her for decades. She later married her high school sweetheart, Normand, in 1959 and they proceeded to raise five children together. When her youngest started pre-school in 1978, she began working at the family business, Vic’s Restaurant, in Montville. In 1993 when Bernice’s children were all grown, she returned to school and earned her high school diploma, the same year her youngest also graduated high school. She then pursued her teenage goal of working in the medical field and received her Nursing Assistant Certification. Bernice cared for the elderly, and those with Dementia, at Convalescent Center of Norwich until her retirement in 2004. Retirement allowed time for new adventures, including a two-year relocation to North Port FL, where she and her husband enjoyed the comradery of her brother and sister-in-law, Everett and Doreen Hewitt. Over their 55-year marriage, she and her husband loved to travel, often visiting New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine where her husband competed in horseshoe pitching tournaments.

Throughout her life she maintained a strong connection to her faith, finding happiness singing hymns such and “In the Garden” and “Old Rugged Cross.” She found fulfillment and purpose preparing Italian dishes and hosting family dinners on Sunday afternoon. She also loved to garden, where she communed with the birds and butterflies who would come to pay a visit.

Spending time with those she loved brought her the greatest joy in life including daughters Laureen Kaika of Norwich, Nadene Kumpf and her husband JR of Uncasville, Carol Spencer of Colchester, Lisa Flanders and her husband Kenneth of Salem, and son Normand Rioux and spouse Todd Barry of Bozrah. Bernice also leaves three sisters Lorraine Dugas of Norwich, Kathleen Tourjee of Salem, and Toni Sidler of Port Orange FL., as well as nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday October 13, 2022 from 4 – 7 PM at Norwich Funeral Home of Church and Allen 136 Sachem Street Norwich. A memorial service will be held at Church and Allen Funeral Home Friday October 14, 2022 at 10 AM, followed by burial at Maplewood Cemetery, Norwich. Friends and family are invited to continue the celebration of Bernice’s life in Speerli Hall at First Congregation Church 81 E Town Street Norwich at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Eliza Huntington Memorial Home 99 Washington Street Norwich, CT 06360.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.churchandallen.com for the Rioux family.