Rita Doris Leblanc

March 13, 1939 – August 14, 2025

With heavy hearts, we share that Rita Doris (Desrochers) Leblanc, 86 passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at Bel-Aire Nursing Home. Rita was born on March 13, 1939, in Newport, VT to Oscar & Yvonne (Arel) Desrochers. On June 3, 1961, she married the love of her life, Rejean Leblanc, and together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. They built a beautiful life as dairy farmers in Lowell, where they raised their three children.

Rita found joy in the simple pleasures of life—sewing, crocheting, knitting, gardening, and baking. Her home was always filled with warmth and she welcomed company with open arms and a loving smile. You never went hungry when you stopped by. Rita had a special fondness for her hummingbirds, tending to them with care, and she enjoyed sitting and watching the cars pass by. In their younger days, Rita and her husband Rejean would have friends over and play marbles/cards and take trips to the casino. Rita loved to reminisce about all the memories they made.

Those who knew Rita admired her strength, kindness and unwavering devotion to her family. She often said, "They are my life," and she lived that truth every day. Her love, resilience, and gentle spirit will forever be remembered.

Rita is survived by her son Alain Leblanc and wife Laurie of Lowell, VT, their daughters Christine Leblanc and boyfriend Sebastien, Ashley Rowell and husband Anthony, son in law Maurice Raboin of Newport, VT and his son Matthew Raboin and daughter Alissa Raboin and husband Ryan, daughter Joanne Bathalon and husband Robert of Westfield, VT and their children Bobbi-Jo Andrews and husband Ben, Nicole Bathalon-McAree and husband Patrick and Ethan Bathalon and wife Nikki.; and by several great grandchildren Dezirae, Ava, Brooklyn, Colten, Lincoln, Graysen, Maren, Cooper, Carson, Lainey and Hudson. By her siblings Real Desrochers and wife Denise and Joe Desrochers and friend Donna; and by her in laws; Norman Leblanc, Marielle Bonin, Ann Leblanc, Herman Leblanc, Columbe Colvin and husband John, Gynette Manning, Michelle Roy and husband Larry, and Andre Leblanc and wife Sara and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, husband Rejean Leblanc, daughter Aline Raboin, brothers Roland Desrochers and wife June, Claude Desrochers and wife Connie, sister Claudette Chaput and husband Leo and by her in laws; Helen Sicotte and husband Albert, Denise Blouin, Lucy Leblanc, Celine Leblanc, Germaine Bonin, George Leblanc and Richard Manning.

A mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday August 22, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Church of Troy, VT, burial will follow at the St. Ignatius Cemetery of Lowell.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Bel-Aire Nursing Home for the care and are deeply grateful for the friendships she formed during her time there. Rita's greatest gift was the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. On-line condolences are welcome at curtis-britch.com.  Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Services, locally family owned and operated.