Rita M. Bernard

ZEPHYRHILLS, FL– Rita M Bernard, 77, formerly of Millbury, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 12, 2024 in Pretty Pond Manor after a brief illness. 

Rita is survived by her husband of 34 years David L. Bernard Sr; she leaves her stepdaughter Veronica L. Roy and her husband Michael of Chicopee, stepson David L Bernard Jr and his wife Susan of West Brookfield, son Richard Comeau and his wife Jennifer of Rutland, and grandchildren Samuel and Jillian, along with many sisters-in-law’s, brother-in-law’s, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents Angelina and Howard Pelkey, brothers Howard and George Pelkey.

Rita graduated from Worcester State University with a master’s degree in computer sciences. She worked at Assumption School in Millbury MA for many years. Later in life, she received her doctorate in education and became the principal for Assumption School, she loved teaching and helping others at the school and in the community. Rita was a very devoted catholic and attended church regularly. Rita lived in Millbury most of her life in the house she bought with her parents, and then retired to Zephyrhills FL for the last 12 years, where she enjoyed many activities within her community and making new friends with her husband. Rita and David became avid bowlers within their community of Crystal Lake. She also started a line dancing group on Thursdays where she would teach anyone who wanted to learn some new moves. She helped many people in the community where she lived, helping them with their issues with computers, phones and TV, there was nothing she would not do for others. 

Rita and Dave made many friends at Crystal Lake and enjoyed playing cards or going out to lunch with them. Everyone who knew Rita loved her, she was an incredible woman, friend, stepmom, mom, and most of all an amazing wife. Rita and Dave enjoyed watching football on Sundays, watching movies every night and going to afternoon matinees on Tuesdays. They loved going on cruises and seeing the world together, they have traveled every state in the USA, they even started venturing into Europe, Africa, China and Australia. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate and remember Rita’s life by gathering for her Funeral Mass on Thursday, Sept. 19th at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 10 Waters Street in Millbury. Her burial will follow at WCMP in Paxton.