Rita Garneau Obituary
Sister Rita was born May 3, 1937, the youngest of six children, to Adelard and Laura (Gilbert) Garneau. Though born in Berlin, New Hampshire, she grew up in East Hampton, CT, which she proudly claimed as her hometown. Following a year of business training after high school graduation, Rita entered the Sisters of Mercy and professed vows on June 26, 1960. Her earliest convent years were spent as a primary grade teacher in Hartford, Rockville, New London and Bridgeport schools. In recognition of her business acumen, she was then called forth to support the Community Leadership team as Administrative Secretary, a position she accepted with her usual grace and held for 25 years. This experience led her to Mercy High School in Middletown where she ministered in the finance office until her retirement. To each ministry in which Sister Rita was involved, she brought a solid commitment, always making Mercy visible in her quiet, gentle way. Rita will be best remembered for her gift of storytelling, her sense of humor and infectious smile which, even in her later years, endeared her to many with whom she forged lasting friendships.
Sister Rita is predeceased by her parents and five siblings. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, her sisters in the Mercy community, and many faithful friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, December 18, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at St. Mary Home, 2021 Albany Ave., West Hartford, CT, preceded by a calling hour from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, West Hartford. Those wishing to make a donation in Sister Rita's memory are asked to consider the Sisters of Mercy, 25 Prescott St., West Hartford, CT 06110 or a charity of their choice. To view the livestream of the Mass of Christian Burial or to leave an online condolence message, please visit www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110
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