Photo courtesy of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home - Newport
Newport, Vermont
Mar 13, 1939 – Aug 14, 2025
Rita Doris Leblanc
March 13, 1939 – August 14, 2025
With heavy hearts, we share that Rita Doris (Desrochers) Leblanc, 86 passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at Bel-Aire Nursing Home. Rita was born on March 13, 1939, in Newport, VT to Oscar & Yvonne (Arel) Desrochers. On June 3, 1961, she married the love of her life, Rejean Leblanc, and together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. They built a beautiful life as dairy farmers in Lowell, where they raised their three children.
Rita found joy in the simple pleasures of life—sewing, crocheting, knitting, gardening, and baking. Her home was always filled with warmth and she welcomed company with open arms and a loving smile. You never went hungry when you stopped by. Rita had a special fondness for her hummingbirds, tending to them with care, and she enjoyed sitting and watching the cars pass by. In their younger days, Rita and her husband Rejean would have friends over and play marbles/cards and take trips to the casino. Rita loved to reminisce about all the memories they made.
Those who knew Rita admired her strength, kindness and unwavering devotion to her family. She often said, “They are my life,” and she lived that truth every day. Her love, resilience, and gentle spirit will forever be remembered.
Rita is survived by her son Alain Leblanc and wife Laurie of Lowell, VT, their daughters Christine Leblanc and boyfriend Sebastien, Ashley Rowell and husband Anthony, son in law Maurice Raboin of Newport, VT and his son Matthew Raboin and daughter Alissa Raboin and husband Ryan, daughter Joanne Bathalon and husband Robert of Westfield, VT and their children Bobbi-Jo Andrews and husband Ben, Nicole Bathalon-McAree and husband Patrick and Ethan Bathalon and wife Nikki.; and by several great grandchildren Dezirae, Ava, Brooklyn, Colten, Lincoln, Graysen, Maren, Cooper, Carson, Lainey and Hudson. By her siblings Real Desrochers and wife Denise and Joe Desrochers and friend Donna; and by her in laws; Norman Leblanc, Marielle Bonin, Ann Leblanc, Herman Leblanc, Columbe Colvin and husband John, Gynette Manning, Michelle Roy and husband Larry, and Andre Leblanc and wife Sara and many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents, husband Rejean Leblanc, daughter Aline Raboin, brothers Roland Desrochers and wife June, Claude Desrochers and wife Connie, sister Claudette Chaput and husband Leo and by her in laws; Helen Sicotte and husband Albert, Denise Blouin, Lucy Leblanc, Celine Leblanc, Germaine Bonin, George Leblanc and Richard Manning.
A mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday August 22, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Church of Troy, VT, burial will follow at the St. Ignatius Cemetery of Lowell.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Bel-Aire Nursing Home for the care and are deeply grateful for the friendships she formed during her time there. Rita’s greatest gift was the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. On-line condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Services, locally family owned and operated.
Read MoreOur deepest sympathies to the Leblanc family. Rita always had a glowing smile and a positive attitude. She will be greatly missed.
Mike & Pam Tetreault
August 22, 2025 | Lowell, VT
A more beautiful soul you could never meet, Rita lived for her family and anytime she had your ear she loved to talk about them. Her smile could light up a room and if you ever needed to feel good about yourself she would sure let you know how much she loved you and how wonderful you were. I miss you dearly and to Rita’s family I’m praying for you during this time of tremendous loss and just know she loved you all so dearly! My condolences.
Courtney Bourgeois
August 20, 2025 | Coventry, VT
Very sorry for your loss. Your family was the first one we came to call friends and neighbors when we moved to Vermont almost 50 years ago. Will always remember times spent there. My heart goes out to you all.
Patricia Bennett
August 19, 2025 | Derby, VT | Neighbor
To Rita’s Family,
Our deepest sympathies to all of you. It’s so sad when your parents pass but now she’ll reunite with Uncle Rejean. May her soul find peaceful rest.
Regretfully, we are unable to attend her services because we won’t be back from a trip we are on. Know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Polly & Paul Duquette
August 18, 2025 | Gorham, ME | Family
A very special Lady. We shared a lot of great times with Rita and Rejean. Will treasure the memories. Heaven has gained another Angel. Joanne and Alain what a wonderful Mother you shared with the world. Our thoughts are with you and your families.
Debbie & Richard Geoffroy
August 18, 2025 | Albany, VT | Friend
Rita and Rejean were two of first people I met when we moved to Newport. They always made me feel so welcome (and fed). I am sure her and Rejean are together again. Love
Judy Bean
August 18, 2025 | Newport, VT | Friend
Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you all at this time. Cherish the memories.
Bernard & Denise Robillard
August 18, 2025 | Barton, VT | Friend
Michelle Roy, So sorry to hear of your loss.Hope you remember when we went to Sacred Heart High School.I Still remember all the good times.
Elaine LeBlanc-Langevin
August 17, 2025 | Newport, VT | Friend
To the entire family: We are so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in all the wonderful memories you have. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jennifer Zielinski
August 17, 2025 | Columbus, OH | Friend
