Rita G. Labonte

Uxbridge- Rita G. Labonte, 89, formerly of Carriage Path, passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at St. Antoine Nursing Center in North Smithfield, RI, where she had been a resident for 3 years.  

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Jane Forsythe and her husband Raymond of Uxbridge, Anne Konopka of Hollis, ME, Pamela Lagasse and her husband Roger of Webster, and Mia Frabotta of Essex; 5 grandchildren, Kate Hageman and her husband Maikel, Christopher Forsythe, Jacqueline Zeimbekakis and her husband Michael, Ryan Lagasse and Benjamin Lagasse. She is also survived by her brother Gerald P. Labonte of Uxbridge, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Leonard, Paul, and Norman Labonte, and her sisters Estelle McQuade, and Jean Labonte. Born in Northbridge, MA on June 30, 1933 she was the daughter of Henry and Emma Rose (Ethier) Labonte. She grew up in a large and close knit family in the Linwood section of Northbridge, where she developed lifelong friendships that she cherished. She was educated at Good Shepherd School and the Northbridge Public School System. 

Always a hard worker, Rita worked long hours at her family’s grocery store, Labonte’s Market, and later for her brothers in the market office. She also sold advertising at the Blackstone Valley News Tribune, was an Executive Secretary for Fernandes Supermarkets in Norton, and later worked in furniture sales and interior decorating at Stone’s Furniture in Hopedale. She had a keen eye, a great sense of style, and was always impeccably dressed. Rita raised her daughters largely on her own and instilled in them the work ethic and strong values that were so much a part of her own upbringing. Rita’s children were the center of her life. She was eternally devoted to them, and later, to her cherished grandchildren who referred to her affectionately as “Doo”.

Rita was a master of all things domestic and an avid cook, flower gardener, and seamstress. She loved the beach, especially Cape Cod, where she spent many happy summers. She volunteered her time at the Uxbridge Senior Center. Later in life, Rita organized a social group, the Linwood Club, gathering her many childhood friends and neighbors for monthly meetings that became a highlight for many local residents in her generation. She was a longtime member of Good Shepherd Church. 

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 18 from Tancrell Jackman Funeral Home, 35 Snowling Road, Uxbridge with a Mass at 11:00 a.m in St. Patrick’s Church, 1 Cross Street, Whitinsville. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Monday, October 17 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Donations in Rita’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 742030, Los Angeles, CA 90074-2030. To leave a message for her family please visitwww.jackmanfuneralhomes.com

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