Rita F. LaBrecque passed away on February 23, 2016 at home surrounded by the care of her family. She was born on September 14, 1920 in Drummondville, P.Q., Canada to the late Josephat and Rezeda (Theroux) LaBrecque. In 1923 she came to the United States with her parents and settled in the Willimansett section of Chicopee. She graduated from the former Mt. Carmel School in Willimansett, Rosary High School in Holyoke and then Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Springfield in 1942. In 1957 she received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Boston College. In 1966 she received her Master’s Degree in Education from Westfield State College. In 1976 received her certificate of advanced graduate studies in education from AIC. She then continued her studies at UMASS in education and counseling. In 1961 she taught the first surgical technology program until her retirement in 1988. For several years after she did private duty nursing and was an educational supervisor at the former Wesson Memorial Hospital and taught at STI and STCC. She belonged to the former Mercy Medical Auxiliary, the Springfield Symphony League and she served two terms as president to the Circle Des Dames Francaise. She was a member of the Springfield Catholic Club, Springfield College Woman’s Club, Chicopee Falls Woman’s Club and the Springfield Museum. She was also a Eucharistic Minister to the former St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Springfield and Assumption Church in Chicopee. She also enjoyed symphonies and traveling, especially to visit family in Canada. She leaves one nephew Donald M. and his wife Teri LaBrecque, their daughter Arielle and her husband Zachary Chandler of Jacksonville, FL, one niece Denise LaBrecque of Oakland, FL; several cousins including her special cousins Diane Lauzier of South Hadley and Jacque LaBrecque of Springfield and her close friend Karen Charette of Chicopee. She was predeceased by two brothers Germain C. LaBrecque PHD and his wife Eileen (Benko) LaBrecque and Donald LaBrecque M.D. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday March 5, 2016 9:30 AM from the Grise Funeral Home 280 Springfield St. Chicopee with a Funeral Mass to take place at 11:00 AM in Holy Name of Jesus Parish the former Assumption Church in Chicopee. Burial will follow in St Rose de Lima Cemetery. Calling Hours will be held on Saturday March 5, 2016 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. For online condolences please visit www.Grisefh.com.