Rita B. Maloney, of South Burlington, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester. Rita was born on September 22, 1940, as the fourth of fourteen children, and was raised on a dairy farm in Westford, Vermont. Her large French Canadian family – both parents were French-speaking immigrants from Quebec – instilled in her the value of hard work and living frugally, lessons she applied throughout her life.

Rita married James Maloney in 1959, and together they raised five children in Fairfax. James predeceased Rita by six weeks, dying at UVMMC on March 2, 2026.

Rita was highly irreverent and made a strong impression on whomever she met. She resisted following traditions and what she considered highfalutin customs and behaviors. Most who spent time with her admired her individuality, creativity, and sense of curiosity. An exceptionally talented craftsperson, she took great pride in her beautiful perennial gardens. She loved Christmas and for decades designed holiday decorations from scratch – often using natural items from Vermont's woods. She was once recognized with an award for best crafts at a holiday craft show at the UVM Medical Center. She also sold handmade holiday decorations at many of the inns and hotels in Stowe.

Not a stranger to hard work, Rita was generous with her time and talents. She worked hard as a house cleaner later in life to supplement their retirement income, and made friends with those she worked for. Her tremendous energy and love of fun were traits that will be greatly missed.

Rita is survived by her five children: Timothy of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Carol (and Karen Sullivan) of Middlesex, Vt., Sandra of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Daniel (and Audrey) of Fairfax, Vt., and Kevin of Wilson, Wy. She also leaves her two grandchildren, Kristy and Cory, and her great-grandson, Jameson. Her surviving siblings are: Louise Minor, Annette Koch, Ellen Schigg, Raymon Potvin, Linda Martin, Robert Potvin, Doris Wildes, Mary Rooney, and David Potvin. Siblings who predeceased Rita are: Irene Lammott, Susan Rooney, Leon Potvin, and June Engemann.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Respite House, who provided an exceptional end-of-life experience for their mother. They will hold a private celebration of life in the summer 2026 and spread Rita's ashes over a waterfall as she wished. If desired, donations in Rita's memory can be made to: Lamoille Restorative Center, P.O. Box 148, Hyde Park, VT 05655.