Rita Mae Betts

Rita Mae Betts, 85, wife of the late John W. Betts Sr., passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Bridgeport Hospital. Born in Meriden on August 18, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Rita Theresa and John W. Valeriay. Rita Mae graduated from Meriden High School in 1958 before marrying John and settling down to raise their family. Once her children gained independence, she returned to the workforce as a medical assistant, a role she held for 40 dedicated years until her retirement. In her later years, she devoted her time to serving as a Eucharistic minister and was an active member of the Ladies of St. Anne at St. Laurent's Church, the woman's branch of the Knights of Columbus – The Columbian Club, and as a Justice of the Peace. She was an exceptional cook with an immense love for her family; Rita never met a stranger and warmly welcomed everyone into her home. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and her greatest joy came from them. She is survived by her children, Rita Mae Dion and her husband Mark, John W. Betts Jr. and his wife Janice, and Jeffrey S. Betts and his wife Susan; her grandchildren, Melissa Lesavoy, and her husband Michael, John Dion and his wife Brenna, Valeriay Dion, Dillion Jones-Betts, Rachel Moran and her wife Kim, and Isaac Betts; great-grandsons, Levi Lesavoy and Rhye Lesavoy; and her aunt Nic (Lois) Valeriay; as well as several cousins and friends. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, October 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 18, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, Mt. Carmel Campus, 109 Goodwill Ave, Meriden, CT 0645. Everyone is asked to meet directly at church. Burial will follow in St. Laurent Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit Jferryfh.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita Mae Betts, please visit our floral store.