Rita T. Gariepy, 97, of Pawtucket, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 12, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late Frederick Gariepy with whom she enjoyed 63 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2010.

Born in Central Falls, she was the daughter of the late Irene and Yvonne (Laperche) Blanchette. She was the sister of the late Rolland Blanchette and Leo Blanchette.  Rita lived the majority of her life in Pawtucket where she and Fred raised their seven children and built numerous happy memories.

Rita lived a very active life. She enjoyed cross country skiing, bowling, daily walks, and exercise classes. During their life together, Rita and Fred enjoyed numerous trips, including cruises, Navy reunions, and exploring all parts of the United States. They often traveled with their adult children and made wonderful memories together.

She was an excellent cook, known for ¨Memere´s chicken wings¨, which were served at all holiday and family events for years. No one has been able to quite perfect her recipe, although we have all tried.  She was an avid gardener and the gardens at her home were the envy of many neighbors and friends. After retirement, Rita took up the crafts of cross stitching and quilting making many unique quilts for family members. These quilts are still enjoyed today from coast to coast.   She and Fred also worked at the Looff Carousel in Slater Park much to the delight of their local grandchildren who had many rides and boxes of popcorn.

Rita is survived by five of her seven children, James Gariepy and his companion Kiet Ly of Tustin, CA, Robert Gariepy and his wife Mary Jane of Charlottesville, VA, Carol Varin and her husband Ron of Beddington, ME, Michael Gariepy and his companion Yoko Omi of San Jose, CA and Gail Girouard and her husband Paul of Attleboro, MA. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Ladonna Gariepy of Sun City Center, FL and her son-in-law Mark Dingley of North Kingstown, RI. She was predeceased by her son Richard Gariepy and daughter Diane Dingley.

Rita was the loving grandmother to 16 grandchildren, and great grandmother to 16 great grandchildren. Lovingly known as ¨Memere G¨ she enjoyed the last several years playing with her great grandchildren and watching them grow both in person and virtually through numerous pictures sent from her grandchildren from across the country. Memere enjoyed watching these pictures stream onto her picture frame every day.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 19th, at 10:00 AM at Saint Cecilia´s Church, 755 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 19th from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, prior to the Mass, in the Manning-Heffern-O'Neill Funeral Home at 220 Cottage Street, Pawtucket, RI. Burial will be held at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 S County Trail, Exeter, RI immediately following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Alliance Health at Maples, especially Gilda and Junior, for their love and care for Rita in the last year of her life.