RITA A. BASSI SHELBURNE - Rita A. Bassi, 86, passed from this world to be with our Lord on Monday, May 3, 2004, with Janie and Bob at her side.

Rita was born on Maple Street in Burlington on Feb. 17, 1918, to Arthur and Angeline (LaPlant) Bessette.

She was educated in the Cathedral School System. She leaves her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Janie and Bob Jacobson of Shelburne with whom she made her home for the past 16 years.

She also leaves her granddaughter, Maria Moffatt of Hinesburg; and her cherished grandsons, Robert Jacobson of Virginia Beach, Va., and Lt. Joseph Jacobson, USN, Norfolk, Va.; two great-granddaughters, Amy Lynn Adams and Kimberly Ann Pugh; and her devoted sister and brotherin-law, Dorothy and Arthur (Pat) Barber of South Burlington. She also leaves her niece, Pamela Rita and her husband Roger Bossi of East Fairfield; her nephews, Jimmy and his wife Donata Bessette of St. Albans and Jack Bessette and his wife Carol Sassone of Milton; cousins Bob and Susie LaVigne of South Burlington, and Marion Blair of Huntington; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Angeline Bessette, her dear son Arthur Bassi, and her brother and sisterin-law, Art and Mary Bessette. Rita loved her days that she spent at the Woolworth Restaurant with her friends and family. All of Rita's friends have passed on and she will be reunited with them and she will make them all laugh again. Rita loved life, her family and friends and was a very generous lady.

She never had a lot of money, but through her wonderful personality she was a person that was always giving to everyone she touched. She made it very clear to everyone, in her humorous moments, that we should not cry with her passing, but we should have food, music, laughter and enjoy moments of the past. Mama, the banquet and party will now start as the best for you is yet to come in Heaven with God. We will miss you and we love you very much. May the blessings of God be with you always. Rita's family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Richard Tonino for his wonderful care and kindness.

Visiting hours will be Wednesday, May 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the LaVigne Funeral Home, 132 Main St. in Winooski. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 6, at 11 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Shelburne.

Interment will follow in Resurrection Park in South Burlington.