Rita E. (Bergeron) Belanger, 92, of Turners Falls, passed away at home on Monday, November 27, 2023.
She was born in Greenfield on December 20, 1930, the daughter of J. Omer and Irene (Boucher) Bergeron. She attended Holy Trinity School in Greenfield and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1948. She continued her education at Worcester County Hospital Nursing Program, graduating in 1951.
In 1952, Rita married Arthur Belanger, Sr., and raised their family in both Montague City and Greenfield. She was especially fond of the family camp along the Green River in Colrain, and cherished moments spent there throughout her entire life. Rita served as a Registered Nurse at Farren Memorial Hospital for 14 years during the 1950s and 70s, and later assumed the role of the nurse for the Town of Montague for a decade, from 1979 to 1989. After retiring, Rita and Art spent winters in Hobe Sound, Florida, surrounded by friends and family. 
Rita was active in the PTA, Red Hats Society, and Catholic Women's Council at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. She enjoyed knitting and won awards for this craft at the Franklin County Fair. She also loved playing cards, and BINGO.
Rita leaves her son, Edward Belanger of Greenfield; daughter Lorraine Almond (Paul-David) of Colorado Springs; son, Arthur Belanger, Jr. (Andrea) of Colrain; daughter, Eileen Tucker (Anthony) of Turners Falls and Kathy Belanger of Deerfield; her beloved grandchildren, Allison, John, Mark, Jeff, Erica, Alaina, Cameron, and Rachel. She also leaves several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Rita was predeceased by her husband Arthur E. Belanger, Sr. on March 3, 2023, her grandson, Sergeant Gregory Belanger, and her siblings, Richard (Mary) Bergeron, Bob (Anita) Bergeron and Bernie (Viola) Bergeron.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday 12/5 at 11am at Our Lady of Peace Church, Turners Falls. Burial will follow at Springdale Cemetery. Prior to the Liturgy, a calling hour will be held from 9-10am at the Kostanski Funeral Home, Turners Falls. The Rosary will be said at the funeral home before leaving for the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh Street, Turners Falls (write Farren Memorial Fund in memo).
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.