Rita Harnois

Rita Harnois Taunton Rita B. (Bellevance) Harnois, of Taunton died Thursday, Oct. 25, in the Golden Living Center, Wedgemere, following a lengthy illness. She was the wife of Xavier J. Harnois. She was born 88 years ago in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Sylvain and Rose Delima (Malenfant) Bellevance. She was educated in New Bedford and had been a Taunton resident for the past 68 years. Prior to her retirement, she had owned and operated the former Rags N Riches Fabric Store on Bay Street for 36 years. She had previously been employed at Taunton State Hospital and at the former Taunton Inn for a number of years. A well known local artist, she was a member of the Taunton Art Association, the Taunton Civic Chorus and the former St. Jacques Church Choir. Mrs. Harnois enjoyed sewing, dancing, painting and singing. She was a communicant of St. Jude the Apostle Parish (formerly St. Jacques Church). In addition to her husband, she leaves one son, Ronald Harnois of Taunton; one daughter, Joyce Christiansen and her husband Eugene of Taunton; three grandchildren, Christine Christiansen Desjarlais, Cameron Christiansen and Daniel Ajoue; five great-grandchildren, Erin Christiansen, Olivia Desjarlais, Brayden Christiansen, Daniel Ajoue Jr. and Shaunna Ajoue; one sister-in-law, Yvonne Chalifoux of Taunton; several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Harnois was also the sister of the late Mignonne Forgues, Gloria Langevin and Therese Verrier. Her funeral will be held from the Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay St., Taunton, on Monday, Oct. 29, at 9 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will follow in St. Jude the Apostle Church, 249 Whittenton St., at 10 a.m. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m.