Rita Marie Canuel

Belchertown - Rita Marie Canuel, 86, passed away on August 9, 2019, joining her husband Anicet Joseph Canuel, who recently passed away July 30th. The family finds comfort in knowing they are now eternally reunited. Born January 7, 1933 in Colchester, Vermont, she was the daughter of Antoine and Alberta (Laroche) Gagne and a sister to many siblings. Rita was a devoted wife and caring mother. She will forever be remembered for her sweet and patient nature, reminiscent of her late mother's. Rita enjoyed going out to dinner, socializing and twirling around the dance floor with her husband. As a devout catholic, Rita recited her rosary prayers every day and was a longtime communicant of St. Francis Church in Belchertown. She will be dearly missed by her beloved children, Constance Canuel of Springfield, Daniel Canuel of CT, Coleen and David Smolinski of Ludlow, Angela and Thomas Bamber of Ludlow, Philip and Margarita Canuel of Belchertown, Pamela Canuel of Belchertown. She also leaves 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild along with extended family. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Alexis Canuel in 2007. Visitation of both Rita Marie and Anicet Joseph will be Tuesday, Aug. 13th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. to proceed to a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Church. They will be laid to rest side by side in South Cemetery in Belchertown. Donations may be made in her memory to St. Francis Church, PO Box 612, Belchertown, MA 01007.