M. Rita Ossont

1932 - 2024

M. Rita Ossont, age 92, of Rome, New York passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a brief illness on June 13, 2024.

She was born February 5, 1932, in Massena, NY, the daughter of the late Alfred and Berthe (Comeau) Boisvert. Rita was united in marriage to the late LaMont E. Ossont, Jr. on July 19, 1958, in St. Mary's Church in Massena, NY. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage.

She graduated from the New York State Teacher's College at Potsdam. She worked at Holland Patent Elementary School as a kindergarten and fourth grade teacher, retiring after decades of service there.

Rita was an active member of St. Paul's Catholic Church where she served as church organist. She loved playing with the choir for masses, weddings, and funerals. Rita volunteered as a church schoolteacher at St. Paul's, and she was an active supporter of Rome Catholic High School. Rita enjoyed music, crossword puzzles, boating, traveling, and spending vacation time with her family. She was a devoted Syracuse basketball and Buffalo Bills football fan.

She is survived by her three children, Drs. Dawn Ossont (Richard Kunkel) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Mark (Joann Corasiniti) Ossont of Greentown, PA, and Matthew Ossont (R. Munro Rost) of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Michael (Caitlin) Ossont, Justin (Megan) Ossont, Christopher Ossont, Brandon Ossont, and Steven Benko; great grandchildren, Coraline and Cole Ossont, Mae and Josephine Ossont, a brother-in-law, Theodore Ossont of Poland, NY; and several nieces and nephews. Rita was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her brother, Robert Andre Boisvert.

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Pines Assisted Living in Clark Summit, PA, Regional Hospital of Scranton 4 East and Allied Services Hospice Center, Scranton, PA for their care and compassion extended to Rita during her illness.

Relatives and friends may call at St. Paul's Catholic Church,1807 Bedford Street, Rome, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Rev. Robert L. Kelly will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be immediately after mass at St. Peter's Cemetery, Rome.

The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to the Harrison Funeral Home, Archbald, PA and to the Barry Funeral Home, Rome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

If you wish, please offer online tributes, or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.