Rita Florence Betit, 82, of Springfield passed away at 5:10 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2003 at the Mary Bryant Home where she had been a resident for the last eleven years. Rita was born January 16, 1921 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the daughter of Commodore Joseph and Alice Gagne Betit. She was employed as a caregiver and housekeeper for the disabled. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers: Richard, William, Robert and James and one sister Marie. Surviving are two sisters: Doris of Yorbalinda, CA and Margaret “Peggy” Fillio of Pittsfield, MA, stepbrother: Dr. Joseph Gauthier of Homewood, AL and stepsister: Mary Ward of Dalton, MA and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2003 at the Mary Bryant Home for the Blind, 2960 Stanton Ave., Springfield with Father Chuck Edwards, celebrant. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mary Bryant Home For the Blind, 2960 Stanton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703. The family of Rita Florence Betit is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.
