Rita Jeannette Bergeron (Lafond)

Rita Jeannette Bergeron (Lafond), a beloved matriarch and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, in the presence of her devoted family. Born on November 23, 1921, in Burlington, VT, Rita lived a remarkable life filled with love, resilience, and dedication to those she cherished. Rita was the cherished daughter of Henry and Celiena (Basiliere) Lafond, who instilled in her the values of kindness and compassion that she carried throughout her life. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Lionel R. Bergeron, with whom she shared nearly six decades of marriage, as well as her parents, sister Lorainne (Lafond) Doucette, and her six brothers, Jerome, Joseph, Felix, and Henry Lafond. Rita and Lionel were married on November 11, 1951, and together they built a life filled with cherished memories, deeply rooted in love and family. From the early days of working at the Heywood-Wakefield Furniture Company, where she met Lionel, to her devoted years as a full-time caregiver and homemaker, Rita’s life was marked by her boundless dedication to her family. Her children, Raymond Bergeron and Patricia (Bergeron) Hunter, were at the center of her world, and her grandchildren, Adam and Harrison, brought her immense joy and pride. Despite facing challenges during her high school years that prevented her from obtaining her diploma, Rita's determination shone through when, at the age of 70, she proudly completed her GED. Her love for learning never waned, as evidenced by her avid reading, particularly of mystery novels, and her enjoyment of sewing, crochet, and crossword puzzles. Rita was a stalwart member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Greenville, NH, where she and Lionel made their home and nurtured their faith. Her commitment to her community extended beyond her family, as she spent her spare time teaching CCD Sunday school and caring for elderly seniors in her neighborhood, embodying the spirit of service and compassion. Rita is survived by her children and grandchildren, who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts. Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love leave an indelible legacy that will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in remembrance of Rita's generous spirit and her lifelong commitment to helping others.