Rita M. Chartier, 56, Canton

With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of our dear sweet mother, Rita M. Chartier, 56, who passed away at home under the care of Hospice and surrounded by an army of loved ones, after losing her battle with cancer.

Rita was born December 19, 1967 to Barry and Joyce “Juicy” (Clement) Horne at the EJ Noble Hospital in Gouverneur. She attended both Gouverneur and Salmon River Central Schools, and later obtained her GED. 

Early in life, Rita worked a variety of jobs including waitressing and tending to the elderly as a personal care aide until health issues of her own left her disabled. At the age of 23, Rita married and gave birth to her first child. Although that marriage ended in divorce, she kept her married name and never remarried. By the age of 30, she settled in Gouverneur and had given birth to her last two children. Rita enjoyed the little things in life. If she ever got lost, you could probably count on finding her at the kitchen table at Juicy Joyce’s playing cards for pocket change or hunched over a Cashword scratch off lottery ticket, watching wrestling or doing crosswords.

She doted on her children and grandchildren, often times too much. To her the sun and moon rose and set around them. Her children would often say she was overbearing and “drove them crazy” but she wouldn’t hesitate to come running to her daughters rescue at 3:00am when her grandson had the flu and her daughter refused to clean the vomit, or to her sons when he would need a ride home after having too many drinks with friends.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren, Cortne Chartier and her children, Jayce and Benjamyn; Mindi McClare and her children, Zaidyn and Wylder and Charles; McClare Jr. and children, Colton and Charlotte. She is also survived by her mother, Joyce Horne; sisters, Teresa, Trudy and Cindy; brother, Barry.

Rita was predeceased by her father, Barry Horne; a brother, Jamie Horne; both her paternal and maternal grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the O’Leary Funeral Service at 5821 US Highway 11; Canton, NY 13617 or online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com to assist with her final arrangements.

Calling hours for Rita will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton, with a service to follow at 4:00 pm. There will be a balloon release at her father’s grave in the Hailesboro Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life at the Gouverneur American Legion beginning at 5:00 pm.

“You’re always in my heart Nana” Love, Benjamyn, Jayce and Zaidyn.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Rita M. Chartier are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.