Rita Huffer

Rita A. Huffer



Rita A. Huffer died of natural causes on March 12, 2021, at 94. Rita was the second youngest of four children born to Peter U. Gallien and Eva Lizotte Gallien in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. She was the proud granddaughter of French immigrants and incorporated the French language in her day-to-day conversations. An excellent student, Rita skipped two grades in school and was college bound at age 16. She attended Boston College and earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. Always self-supporting, Rita worked as an elevator operator in a Boston hotel and studied in between lifts. She continued her education and became a Registered Nurse. After nursing school, she joined the U.S. Air Force and served as a First Lieutenant flight nurse for two years. A life-long reader, Rita "read out" an entire community library during her childhood. As an adult, Rita's mantra was "If I can't read anymore, it's all over." She spent many afternoons reading with her beloved dog, Tedi, at her feet.

Rita is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Richard Lewis Huffer, sisters Rosalma Gallien and Mary L. Gallien, and brother Francis (Edward) Gallien. She is survived by son Barry W. Huffer of Albuquerque; daughter-in-law Laura Schwab of Albuquerque; daughter Tracy L. Fosbinder of Albuquerque; granddaughter Rebecca Huffer (Dowd) of Portland, Oregon; grandson Danny Huffer of Eugene, Oregon; grandson Kyle R. Fosbinder of Portland, Oregon; two great-grandchildren, Owen Dowd and Natalie Dowd of Portland, Oregon; and family friend Richard Miller.

Interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery will be scheduled at a later date.