Rita F. Peterson, 96, of Lyndonville, Vermont, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, June 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on March 2, 1930, Rita was the daughter of Cyrille Fortin and Albertina Lessard. Raised in Derby, Vermont, she attended Sacred Heart School in Newport and grew up in a proud French-Canadian family. Her parents immigrated from Canada and instilled in their children the values that would guide Rita throughout her life: deep faith, unwavering honesty, fierce independence, hard work, and a devotion to family.

In November 1953, Rita married Allen R. Peterson. Together they shared 38 years of marriage until Allen’s passing in 1991. They began their farming life together on their dairy farm in West Charleston, Vermont, then moving their family and farm to Morgan, then to Whiting in 1973. Dairy farming was more than a livelihood for Rita. It was a way of life that reflected who she was: hardworking, resilient, and never afraid of difficult work. Through life’s joys and hardships, she met every challenge with quiet determination and strength, building a life centered on family, faith, and perseverance.

To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was simply Memere. She was the heart of family gatherings, happiest when surrounded by those she loved. Whether tending her gardens, preparing a meal from scratch, or welcoming everyone around the kitchen table, she had a gift for making people feel at home. She was an exceptional cook, remembered especially for the chocolate cake that no one could quite replicate. She also loved playing cards and dice, particularly the game 10,000, where family members joked that Memere somehow always found a way to win.

Rita was known for keeping an immaculate home, believing there was value in taking pride in the little things. She was organized, dependable, and strong-willed. Those who knew her best knew that beneath her stubborn streak was a fierce commitment to doing things the right (mom’s) way.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Rita’s greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of Joanne (A.Robert) Bertrand, James Peterson, David Peterson, Dennis (Partner Tina) Peterson, Mary (Dennis) Kinney, Laurie Morris, and Luella (David) Gipson. She was also the loving grandmother of 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren with another on the way; and the aunt of many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was also predeceased in death by 6 siblings, one grandchild and one great-grandchild. She is survived by a sister, Yolande Osowski of New Jersey and two sisters-in-law Melvidene Fortin of Derby, VT and Jeanne Fortin of Hartford, CT.

A lifelong Roman Catholic, Rita’s faith was the foundation of her life. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Lyndonville and practiced her faith every day.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers that helped Rita live with failing health during this last year, especially in her final days.

Rita’s life will be celebrated Visiting Hours at Sanderson Funeral Home in Middlebury VT on July 6 from 5 to 7 pm. The following day there will be a Catholic Mass at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Middlebury, VT on July 7 at 10am, followed by the internment at St. Mary Cemetery, Middlebury, VT. A brief gathering will follow the internment. Details will be announced after mass.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Vermont Catholic Charities, 55 Joy Drive, So. Burlington, VT 05403.