Marguerite "Rita" France

Marguerite “Rita” France, 87, of  Farmington, widow of David France, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at the Hospital of Central CT.

Born in Kensington, she was the daughter of the late Stanley King and Josephine (Thomson) King. Rita was a former Kensington resident, graduating from Berlin High School in 1948. She became a resident of Farmington in 1971.  She was formerly employed as a manager at Tremont Pharmacy and Arrow Pharmacy before retiring.  Rita was a member and former Deacon of the First Church of Christ Congregational in Farmington,  and a former member and Deacon of the Kensington Congregational Church.  She formerly served as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and was a former member of the Berlin Grange.

After retirement, Rita and David became avid volunteers working with and for Farmington Services for the Elderly.  They were instrumental in helping form the Farmington Cares Day program, which was a five year long project.  Rita served on the Board of  that agency.  They also delivered Meals on Wheels, regardless of the weather, and she always took time to say hello and check on the resident.  She was called their “Ray of Sunshine”. She was also a personal shopper for those in need, picking up their groceries, delivering them and even putting them away.  She was loved by all those she served.

Surviving is a sister, Carol Lee Bonaiuto of Berlin, and a sister-in-law, Mary “Lisa” France of East Berlin. She leaves twenty nieces and nephews and was predeceased by two.  She was also predeceased by her six brothers, Raymond King,  Robert King, T. William King, Ralph “Ron” King, Donald King and Norman King.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 at 1 PM at the First Church of Christ, Congregational in Farmington.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, Aug 12, 2016 at 12 Noon at West Lane Cemetery, Kensington.  Memorial donations may be made to the First Church of Christ Congregational, 75 Main Street, Farmington, CT 06032 or Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002.  Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, New Britain, is in charge of arrangements.