Miss Rita L. Gilbert left the earth after a valiant fight with lung cancer on November 10 at her home. She was a lifelong resident of Taunton. Born on March 31, 1938 to Clara (Caron) and Eugene Gilbert, she graduated from the former St. Jacques Parochial School and Taunton High School, Class of 1956.
She leaves her lifelong friend, Edward Clough of Taunton, her sister, Lorraine Russell of Charlotte, VT., a special friend, Ginny Norcut, and 2 nieces she was especially fond of, Beverly Chiasson of Newton Highlands and Sandra Kean of Framingham. Rita was predeceased by 3 step-brothers, Emile Gilbert, Rene Gilbert and Lucien Gilbert, and several nieces and nephews.
Her working years were at Taunton Silversmiths and she retired from the Dighton Town Hall after 10 years of service.
She was a warm hearted and fun loving person and after retirement she joined the Mahjong Group and played canasta at the Senior Citizen Center. She enjoyed being a sister of the Red Hat Society and will be missed by her friends and all who knew her.
Her wish is to be cremated with no calling hours. Donations may be made to the Humane Society of your choice and to the Taunton Animal Shelter where her much loved cat, Charlie, now is awaiting adoption. Arrangements are under the direction of The Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home of Taunton.