Rita Jeannine Giroux

Rita Jeannine Giroux, age 93, of Newport, Vermont, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026 surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Rita was born on October 17, 1932 in Barnston, Quebec, to Dorothee and Elzear "Ben" Riendeau. She grew up with her five siblings on a farm in Coaticook, Quebec that is now the site of the scenic Coaticook Golf Club. As a young girl, Rita loved spending time with her father preparing for horse races. Rita began her career at La Tribune newspaper. She later married the love of her life, Gerard Giroux, on November 26, 1960.

Rita's greatest accomplishment was being the rock and foundation for her six children and, later, her 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was a strong, independent woman who had a knack for figuring out how to do just about anything. Whether she was installing a tile floor, painting her house, creating beautiful outfits for special occasions, or taking on a new challenge, Rita always found a way. She was resilient, a wonderful cook, a creative seamstress, and a talented maker of wreaths and bows. For several years, she also ran the driving range in Newport, Vermont.

Rita loved Canadian music and dancing, and she knew how to celebrate. Holidays were always large family gatherings filled with abundant food, laughter, and the love that held her family together. Her faith in God was paramount in her life, and she passed that faith and love on to her children and grandchildren. Rita often shared her favorite words of wisdom: "Love and peace, and give your heart to Jesus."

One of Rita's greatest gifts was her ability to create family traditions that will live on for generations. She brought her family together for apple picking, homemade donut making, sugar-on-snow parties, taffy making, knitting, and berry and fiddlehead picking. These traditions were opportunities to gather, laugh, share stories, and make memories together.

Rita will be deeply missed by her children: Connie Isabelle and her husband, Rick; Richard Giroux and his wife, Gina; Mark Giroux and his wife, Amy; David Giroux and Marcy; Ann Marie Bertrand and her husband, Jody; and Christie Boskus and her husband, Steve; as well as her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dorothee and Elzear "Ben" Riendeau, four of her siblings, and her husband, Gerard Giroux.

The family is extremely grateful to all of those who cared for Rita throughout the years, including her private caregivers, hospital staff, and the compassionate staff at Michaud Manor. Their kindness, dedication, and care meant so much to Rita and her family.

Friends and Family may call from 7:00-8:30PM on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home on 4670 Darling Hill Rd. in Newport. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, August 31, 2026 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport.

Memorial contributions in Rita's memory may be made to Michaud Manor's Activity Fund, 47 Herrick Rd. Derby Line, Vermont 05830.

Rita's love, strength, faith, and traditions will remain a part of her family for generations to come.

Love, peace and give your heart to Jesus. On-line condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com.