VERGENNES — Rita Ilene D’Avignon Armell, 89, of Vergennes, left us on Dec. 24, 2020 to be with the lord.
Rita was born on Sept. 28, 1931 to the late Joseph and Mary (Shackett) D’Avignon.
She was employed for many years at the Vergennes Laundry then at Small City Market, where she was proudly known as the coffee lady for 17 years. Rita was on Super Seniors and so enjoyed her interview. Rita’s passions in life were her family, friends and dancing.
She is survived by six children: two sons, Lester (Shirley) of Winooski and Mark (Brenda) of North Ferrisburgh; four daughters, Ilene (Larry) Knox and Charlene (Paul) Gorton of Hinesburg, June (Gary) Melillo of Newport, N.C., and Betty (Gerald) Sabourin of Vergennes; 15 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.
Rita was predeceased by a son, Paul, and 15 siblings: 10 brothers, Bob (Gerry), Joseph (Nonie), Ted (Helen), Leonard (Ruth), Jim (Pat), Clement (Margaret), David (Beverly), Peter, Louis, and Francis; five sisters, Dot (George) Smith, Grace (John) Shandrow, Georgia (Glenn) Bobar, Mary Basler and Theresa Turner.
The family would like to thank the community, friends and neighbors for their care and support. Rita was truly blessed to live among such good people. A very special Thanks to the Addison County Home Health and Hospice team for their exceptional care and to all her friends of the Vergennes Police Department.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions in her name may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 74, Middlebury, VT 05753. ◊