Rita M. Rochelo, 76

LENOX, Mass. — Rita M. Rochelo, 76, died Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at the home of her daughter, where she has been residing. 

Born in Wayland, N.Y., on May 19, 1942 to the late Gerald J. and Thelma M. Anderle Leibenguth, she attended John Marshall High School, graduating in 1960. After high school, Rita attended St. Margaret’s School of Nursing. She worked as an LPN at the former St. Luke’s Hospital and prior to her retirement, Hillcrest Hospital, with over 25 years of service.

Rita was a member of the Pioneer Valley Live Steam Train Club. She had a tremendous love for animals, especially dogs. 

She married the late Roger D. Rochelo on February 2, 1991, in Pittsfield. He predeceased her on February 29, 2016. 

Rita is survived by her children: Cheryl A. Erbin-Daub of North Adams and John D. Erbin of Pittsfield; stepchildren: Wayne Rochelo (Cindy), Brian Rochelo (Brenda), all of Pittsfield, and Brenda (Dave) Durante of Lenox; grandchildren: Nickole Erbin and Johnny Daub; step-grandchildren: Brian, Julia, Brandon, and Kyle Rochelo and Michael and Anthony Vallone; her brother, Father Gerald Leibenguth of Hingham, Mass.; and her beloved dog, Freckles.

Funeral notice: The funeral service for Mrs. Rita M. Rochelo, who died on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery. 

Calling hours will precede the service from 9 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s memory may be made to either the Berkshire Humane Society or Hospice Care in the Berkshires, both in care of the funeral home.