RITA D. GUERTIN

GUERTIN, RITA D. (JALBERT, O'CONNELL)
97, formerly of Cranston, died peacefully on September 13  surrounded by family at Hallworth House, Providence, RI.  Rita was the widow of the late John F. O'Connell and subsequently Wilbrem Guertin.  She was the daughter of the late Fortuna A. and Dora Theroux Jalbert, and the mother of 7 children. She was the former owner of John F. O'Connell Real Estate & Insurance, first President of Post Cana of the Diocese of Providence, a member of and secretary for the Cranston School Committee, a volunteer for RSVP of Cranston and for Multiple Sclerosis.  She was a Eucharisitic Minister at Immaculate Conception Church.  Rita had retired from RI College where she had been a secretary in the Physical Plant Dept. 
Rita was a graduate of Classical High School and Bryant & Stratton Business School. Prior to her marriage to John O'Connell, Rita worked at the Gorham Manufacturing Company. Following her husband John's death, Rita became a Realtor and Licensed Insurance Agent and sucessfully ran the family business while raising her family.
She leaves her children and their respective families: Francis O'Connell of Smithfield, Patricia Gormally of Swansea, MA., Michael O'Connell of St. James Plantation, NC., Stephen O'Connell of Smithfield, Paula Carruth of Tempe, AZ., Christopher O'Connell of Cranston and Jerome O'Connell of Cumberland. She leaves 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
All Rita's siblings predeceased her. They were: Elaine Hague of Lincoln, RI., Karl Jalbert of Woodbury, CT., and Arthur Jalbert of Warwick, RI. She is survived by her sister in law, Carol Jalbert of Warwick.
Rita's life was Faith and Family centric.  Rita was widowed when the youngest child was 4 months old  and the oldest 11 years old.  Her faith, intellect, high level drive,  and determination combined with an extensive family support system kept her going. Rita was talented in many areas. She loved contract bridge, cribbage, the daily jumble, and crossword puzzles. She traveled extensively and cruised with friends and family.  Rita made pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome and the shrines at Our Lady of Lourdes, Fatima, and Medjugore.  An avid reader, Rita kept up with current events and was a strong advocate of education. Nothing put a bigger smile on her face than when there was a birthday, wedding, cookout, holiday meal or any other family event except when there was a grandchild or great grandchild was on her lap!  Later in life, while living at care facilities, Rita could always be counted on to lead a prayer service,assist at mass, lead the rosary and participate in resident activities.  She enjoyed lively dialog and held  principled positions on many topics. Her devotion to her faith, family and hard work was unwavering.  Rita was a positive example to all.  Rita was presented with many difficult challenges that she overcame. She was blessed with the grace to forgive.  Rita counted her blessings daily and encouraged others to do as well.  She was a truly incredible woman.  Her "Good bye" to you was always "God Bless you!".  She will be missed in person but her presence will always be felt. 
In lieu of flowers please donate to Hallworth House, 66 Benefit St., Providence, RI 02904. 

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