Rita Garceau

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved mother, Rita J.L. Garceau, who left us on March 9, 2025, just days shy of her 96th birthday, at home surrounded by her loving family. Rita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, offering unwavering love, wisdom, and support to her family throughout her life. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Rita was married to her beloved husband, Gerald J. Garceau, for nearly 70 years until his passing in 2020. She was born on March 20, 1929, in Williamsport, PA, to the late Oliver A. and Elizabeth (Hugar) Lorson. Rita spent most of her life in Naugatuck, where she raised her family with dedication and love.

Rita graduated from St. Francis and then Naugatuck High School in 1947. Though she began her career in banking, she chose to leave her job to focus on raising her growing family. She had a passion for gardening, both flowers and vegetables, and enjoyed square dancing, camping, traveling, playing games and attending family reunions. Family was the heart of her life, and she cherished the time spent with her loved ones. Rita was also an accomplished seamstress, known for creating beautiful quilts and clothing. Everyone looked forward to her raisin-filled cookies and homemade relish, using recipes passed down through generations.

Rita was a founding member of St. Vincent Ferrer Church and an active participant in the Ladies Guild. She also volunteered in various community activities, including Girl Scouts and her children’s schools. Together with Gerald, Rita used her business skills to run their successful income tax service.

Rita’s legacy lives on through her seven children: sons Ron (Janet), David (Donna), Todd (Deneen); daughters Kathy Michalski (Len), Judy Cyr (Clarence), Laura Cyr (Patrick), and Dr. Roberta Garceau (Dr. Jerry O’Dwyer). She also leaves behind 19 grandchildren: Cara Michalski (Scott Kozak), Michael Cyr (Jen), Brian Cyr (Zilda), Lissah Michalski (Forrest Wilhoit), Shilo Garceau (Jason Watley), Justin Michalski (Tiffany Ryan Michalski), Roger Garceau (Christina), Adam Cyr (Jen), Seth Garceau (Allison), Rachel Garceau (Grady Cousins), Lorri Bond (Josh), Jeffrey Garceau (Maria), Elizabeth Grudzien (Brian), Alan Garceau (Samantha Sledz), Ryan Cyr (Ali Sullivan), Sarah Sullivan (Brendan), Will Garceau (Brynn Bieker), Jacenda O’Dwyer, and Liam O’Dwyer. Additionally, she leaves 33 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, as well as her sisters-in-law, Stella Garceau and Margaret Krebs, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, husband, and two infant children, Rita was predeceased by her sister and best friend, Grace Sigetti, and brothers Robert and William.

Rita’s family and faith were her guiding lights. She was a kind, gentle soul whose bright eyes and smile could brighten any room and whose presence brought joy to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed by her family and all whose lives she touched.

Arrangements – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10 am. At St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 1006 New Haven Rd. Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family and there are no calling hours. The Buckmiller Ford Mengacci funeral home is assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.