Mrs. Rita (Gilbert) Gagnier, wife of the late Elmer Gagnier, passed peacefully at her home in Middlebury on July 18, 2026, at the age of 102 and marks the passing of her generation of the Gilbert family.

Born on December 12, 1923, in Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, P.Q., Canada, Rita was the daughter of the late Valare and Augustine (Gilbert) Gilbert. Rita lived in Middlebury, CT for over 70 years, where she enjoyed working in her yard and caring for her pets. She had a wonderful, friendly personality and was quite witty.

Left to carry on her legacy are her daughter Sandra Thompson, her son Craig and his wife Lisa Gagnier, her grandsons Sean and Christopher Thompson, her great grandchildren Taylor Matousek, Alex Thompson, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Elmer, Rita was predeceased by her brother Donald Gilbert, her sisters Martha Langton, Moniques Desrochers and Lorraine Pelletier.

At her request, Rita will be privately laid to rest in the Queen of Peace Mausoleum next to her husband Elmer in Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. Woodtick Memorial is honored to serve the Gagnier family and you are encouraged to visit Rita’s tribute page on www.woodtickmemorial.com for online condolences.