Rita (Parenteau) Héroux, age 88, passed away on Aug. 1, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Sept. 23, 1925 in Chicopee. She grew up St. Pie de Guire in the Province of Quebec and in Chicopee, MA, then relocated to Davenport, IA, and finally returned to Feeding Hills, MA when she became a “memere.” Rita was a daughter of the late Archille and Melina (Coté) Parenteau. She is predeceased by her husband Normand H. Heroux to whom she was devoted and thus served as a role model for her progeny of what it means to be a devoted spouse and a testament that true love never dies. She leaves her son-in-law, Steven J. Carrier of Windsor Locks, CT; 3 grandchildren: Jennifer, Amie and Joelle; 4 great grandchildren: Christian, Dominique, Joseph, and Victoria Rose, along with several nieces and nephews, and her cousin Jeannine Morin who was like a sister to her, and 2 sisters-in-law, Lorraine Heroux Glover of Davenport, IA and Marguerite Parenteau of Sherbrooke, Canada. She is predeceased by her daughter Joyce Rose Héroux Carrier, 2 brothers, Willie and Philippe Parenteau and 2 sisters, Yvette Anctil and Laurette Gaudette. She was an avid Red Sox fan, fond of animals, particularly cats. She was most content spending time with her family and her legacy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be her unconditional love with a vivid recollection of the delight in her eyes and her smile when they were together. Her unshakeable quiet faith in her Savior and devotion to Saint Joseph were a source of her strength when her loved ones passed away and when she endured the physical challenges in her later years. Calling hours will be held on the morning of the funeral, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Grisé Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee, followed by a Mass of Christian burial in St Rose de Lima Church at 11 a.m., with burial to follow in St Rose de Lima Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St Mary’s Church, 42 Spring St, Windsor Locks, CT 06096.