May Rita Normandin

May Rita (Desrosiers) Normandin, 71, formerly of Southbridge, passed away on March 4, 2025, in Otis at her sister's home. 

Rita’s resilience and positive attitude in the face of pancreatic cancer inspired her family and friends for over four years as she tirelessly battled her disease. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Normandin, who passed away in 2003, Walter Hadank, her partner of 17 years, and her sisters, Charlene Hill and Janice Larimore. 

Rita is survived by her two sons, Nathan Normandin, and Benjamin Normandin, his partner Kait McFarland and their children Isabella and Finnley. She leaves behind her sister and brother-in-law, Denise and Edward Hardie, her sister-in-law, Jill Normandin, and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

 Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Rita was the daughter of the late Norman and Wilma (Stem) Desrosiers. She spent her life in western and central Massachusetts, always connected to Otis, where she spent many happy summers as a child with her sister Denise. A proud graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield, Rita earned a degree in architectural landscaping at STCC. Together with her late husband Jack, Rita owned and operated Cohasse Brook Florist shop for many years. They loved exploring the Westport River and surrounding waterways on their boats with friends and family. In Rita’s later years, she and her partner, Walter Hadank, enjoyed hot air ballooning together, and spending time with their families from New England to Florida. Rita was exceptionally creative, with talents that extended to countless natural materials. 

Through her handcrafted business, Rita’s Practical Nature, she became a beloved fixture at craft fairs in Western Massachusetts and beyond. Those close to her describe her as always up for the next adventure, with an open spirit and a love of trying new things. She loved her pet and volunteered at the Here Today, Adopted Tomorrow Animal Sanctuary in Brimfield. One of her greatest joys was traveling the world with her sister Denise and brother-in-law, Ed, creating cherished memories and ridiculous photo-ops together. Rita’s legacy – her love of nature and craft, her adventurous spirit, and her ability to carry on in the face of challenges – lives on in her grandchildren and great-nieces, as well as all who loved her. 

A celebration of Rita’s life will be held in Otis in the warmth of spring.

Friends and family may leave reembraces at www>belangerFuneralHome.com