Rita Maillet, 95, of Ash Street in Gardner, died peacefully after a year of declining health on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on November 1, 1930, in Saint Antoine, New Brunswick, Canada, to Hector and Bertha (Goodwin) LeBlanc. Following her mother's death when she was six, Rita helped raise her younger brothers and sisters. She was one of sixteen children; all of her siblings are deceased except her brother, Donald LeBlanc of Gardner.

Rita married the love of her life, Alphonse Maillet, on May 14, 1953. Together they shared 60 years of marriage before his passing on June 12, 2013. After their marriage, they moved to Gardner, where they raised a large and loving family of eleven children: Janis (John) Lafferty, Irene (Rick) Stacy, George (Michelle) Maillet, Rene (Cindy) Maillet, Maurice Maillet, Claude (Paula) Maillet, Leonie (Joe) Emma, Ginette (Michael) Busack, Robert Maillet (deceased), Jean Maillet (Jodie Johnson), Paul Maillet (Melissa Ruckdeschel).

Being a mother and grandmother was one of Rita's greatest joys. She never smiled more brightly than when she was handed a baby. She was blessed with 23 grandchildren, as well as numerous great‑grandchildren and beloved extended and adopted family members, all drawn to her warmth.

Rita lived a remarkably healthy and active life well into her early 90s. She was often seen walking several miles around the city or tending to her yard for the sheer pleasure of movement. She treated everyone she encountered with kindness, love, and a wonderfully sharp sense of humor. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and a sense of belonging to all who knew her.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 25, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026, from the funeral home with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in Annunciation Parish (Holy Rosary Church), 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA - where she was a lifelong parishioner. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the French Connection and VNA Network Worcester for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or on their website at Dementia Society of America">Dementia Society of America or to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or on their website at www.alz.org.