Vernon Obituary: Rita Willard, 84

Rita May Willard (Duquette), 84, passed away on September 30, 2016 in the home she shared with her husband of 67 years, and daughters Brenda Benmaor and Cindy Fagan in Vernon.

Rita was born on June 26, 1932 in Northfield, VT. She was the daughter of Edward and Lucille Duquette. Rita worked at the Post Office in Hartford and East Hartford for many years. Once she retired from the Post Office she worked at JaMars and JoAnns where she began her love of making crafts that she sold at numerous craft fairs over the last fifteen years.

Besides her husband, Ernest, she leaves behind five children, Brenda BenMaor of Vernon, Ann Dube of Arizona, Cindy Fagan of Vernon, Ernest Jr. of Virginia and Glenn Willard of East Hartford. In addition, she leaves behind 7 grandchildren, James Lavoie, Catherine Gleason, Adam Dube, Timothy Fagan, Christine Holt, Andrew and Carley Willard. She also leaves behind ten great-grandchildren, Connor, Scarlett, Hillary, Chad, Raven, Hunter, Marissa, Sydney, Amanda and Jayden. Rita also leaves three sisters and a brother; Beverly Jennings of Michigan, Reginald Duquette of Florida, Barbara Thompson of Florida and Mary Johannes of Iowa, as well as two sisters-in-law, Shirley Duquette of Florida and Shirley Duquette of Tennessee. She was pre-deceased by her sister Mildred and brothers Edward, Ronald and Armand.

Relatives and friends may join the family on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at Burke-Fortin Funeral Home, 76 Prospect Street, Rockville, between 10am-11am with a 11am Funeral Home Service. Burial will follow at St. Bernards Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Vernon Historical Society.

For online condolences please visit www.smallandpietrasfuneralhome...