Rita M. Bates

Loving Mother, Mémére, Sister, Aunt

Wolcott – Rita M. Bates, 77, passed away peacefully at Waterbury Hospital on Monday, August 3, 2020. Rita was born in Waterbury on March 5, 1943, daughter of Cyprien and Antoinette (LaBonte) Asselin.

Rita received her Sacraments at St. Anne’s in Waterbury. She was the first graduating class of Wolcott High School, Class of ‘62. She was employed by USF&G as a claims specialist for many years. Rita had a real zest for life. She loved music, dancing, and roller-skating. She enjoyed nature and all animals, especially her very special “Little Boy,” Grayson.

Rita leaves behind her son, Michael Bates; her daughter, Tina Bates Rodriguez; her son in law, John Rodriguez; her brother, Roland Asselin, and his wife, Carolyn; her grandchildren, Jessica, Jennifer, and Tyler; her sister in law, Evelyn Asselin; nieces and nephews, extended family members. Rita always cherished good times with lifelong friends Maureen Krebs and Patty Batten. 

She was predeceased by her siblings, Laurette Dragon; Norman Asselin; and Jacqueline Salcito.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Pius Church, 525 Woodtick Road, Wolcott. Burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Rita’s name to the Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance Association, 48 Todd Rd. Wolcott, CT 06716.