Rita C. Lessard

Southington - Rita C. Lessard, 79, of Southington and Jensen Beach, FL left this world peacefully March 10, 2009 comforted by her daughter Renee, youngest sister Lyse and close friend Joan at Hospice of the Treasure Coast in Stuart, FL.

Born July 10, 1929 in Rock Island, Quebec, Rita was the loving daughter of and predeceased by her father Robert Cote and recently her 104 year old mother Leda Cote. She is survived by her brother Donald Cote of Montpelier, VT, sisters Jeanine Viens of Ayers Cliff, Quebec and Lyse Belknap of Stanstead, Quebec.

Rita was a long time resident of Southington along with her husband of 56 years Roger, who passed away five years previously. 

She was employed as a manager of GE Madison while attending CCSU. Upon earning her Masters Degree Rita, embarked on a 21 year long career as a French teacher at Avon Middle School where she was affectionately called Madame Lessard.

After her retirement Rita did not abandon her passion for teaching; volunteering her time at The Cheshire Correctional Institution where she was responsible for returning many wayward souls back on the correct path to leading a productive life. She donated much of her time to charitable organizations as well as at St. Dominic’s Parish, a church she helped plant its roots in the town starting at Flanders School. Rita always had time for her family, friends and her garden. 

Touching the hearts of many, none more so than her three children Renee Delahunty and her husband Phil Giuliani of Jensen Beach, Raymond and his wife Gail Lessard of Southington and Richard and his wife Barbara Lessard of Plainville along with her six grandchildren Jerram Delahunty and his wife Rebecca, Colin Delahunty, Ryan, Robert, Leslie, Alyse Lessard and great grandson Liam Delahunty all who knew and loved her as Grand Mama.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 10 a.m. at St. Dominic Church, 1050 Flanders Rd., Southington. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington.

Visitation

Date

Time

Friday, March 20, 2009

5 pm - 8 pm

Visitation Location

DellaVecchia Funeral Home

211 North Main Street

Southington, CT