Rita E. Gendreau
Rita E. Gendreau, 95, of Rehoboth, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the Dawn Hill Home for Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Bristol. She was the beloved wife of the late Armand C. Gendreau, Sr., who passed away on April 17, 1991.
Born in Central Falls, RI, on August 10, 1928, she was the loving daughter of the late Honore Raiche and Delima (Martel) Raiche. Rita spent her formative years in Central Falls and Pawtucket, graduating in 1946 from Saint Jean Baptiste High School in Pawtucket. Upon marrying Armand, they settled initially in Pawtucket before moving to Rehoboth in 1957, where they remained for their entire lives.
Rita was a devoted homemaker, a loving wife, and mother, dedicating herself to creating a warm and caring home for her family. She extended her nurturing spirit to the neighborhood, caring for not only her seven children but also for other children in the community. When her grandchildren arrived, she joyfully took on the role of their beloved babysitter, showering them with love.
A devoted parishioner, Rita was active at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church (formerly Saint Mary's Church) in Seekonk for many years. Later, she became a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Seekonk. Rita took pride in maintaining a welcoming home and had a special place in her heart for animals. She was also a dedicated member of the Rehoboth Senior Center.
Rita is survived by her devoted children: Denise Martin and her husband Joseph of Rehoboth, MA; Michael Gendreau and his wife Lois of Kingston, RI; Roland Gendreau and his wife Janet of Bristol, RI; Donna Rajcula and her husband Stephen of Hopedale, MA; Peter Gendreau and his wife Robin of Charlestown, RI; and Armand Gendreau, Jr. and his wife Erica of Peabody, MA. She is also survived by her cherished twenty-seven grandchildren and twenty-five great-grandchildren. Rita was predeceased by her son Gregory Gendreau.
Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend Rita's funeral on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 9:45 AM from the REBELLO Funeral Home, 901 Broadway, East Providence. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated in her honor by the Reverend Kevin Cook, will follow at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 984 Taunton Avenue, Seekonk. Interment will follow at Saint Stephen's Cemetery in Attleboro. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the funeral home.
Donations in Rita's name may be made to the American Foundation for the Blind by mailing a check to 1108 Third Avenue, Suite 200, Huntington, WV 25701, or by visiting www.afb.org. Donations may also be made to HopeHealth Hospice by mailing a check to 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904, or by visiting www.hopehealthco.org.
