Rita D. Wright, 95, Massena

MASSENA - The family of Rita D. Wright, age 95, are saddened by her passing on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at North Country Nursing Home.

Arrangements are under the care of the Phillips Memorial Home in Massena. There will be no public calling hours. A funeral service will be held at Massena Methodist Church at the convenience of the family at a later date. Burial will take place in Pine Grove Cemetery, Norfolk, following the services.

Rita was born on February 7, 1930, in Massena, NY, to parents Joseph and Loretta (LeBlenc) Deshaies. She attended schools in Massena, graduating from Massena High School in 1948. She married Harold White on May 20, 1950, and had three children. The marriage ended in divorce.

Rita worked as a waitress, at many local restaurants in Massena, including Tiffany's, The Village Inn and The Via Main restaurant for over 30 years, retiring at age 74. She married George Wright on October 24, 1974. He predeceased her in 2011. Rita enjoyed dancing, playing cards and gardening. She took care of the flowers and gardens at Grassmere Terrace. She loved being active in the Massena Methodist Church. That was a very important part of her life, but the most important thing to Rita was spending time with her family and friends. She was the most loving, caring and giving mother, grandmother, sister, Aunt and friend that anyone could ever ask for. There are no words for how much she will be missed and how heartbroken her family is at her passing.

Rita is survived by her children: Janet (Robert) LaRose of Newark, NY; Sue (Earl) Leatherland of Massena, NY, Larry White of Saratoga, NY. Three grandchildren, Christopher and Julie Johnson of Potsdam, NY; Robert Jr. and Sonya LaRose of Port Gibson, NY, and Steven and Julie White of Waterford, NY. Eight great grandchildren and four great- great grandchildren. Rita is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by her siblings, Germaine Edwards, Angel Ouimet, Dora Catanzarite, Fred “Sonny” Deshaies, John Deshaies, and Joseph “Willie” Deshaies. She was also predeceased by a grandson Shawn Michael LaRose.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Massena First United Methodist Church, 189 Main St. Massena, NY 13662.

Online condolences, pictures, and memories may be shared with the family at www.PhillipsMemorial.com.

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