Rita M. Rochelo, 76, died Tuesday, Nov. 6, at the home of her daughter, where she had been residing.
Born May 19, 1942, in Wayland, New York, 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 Steamers club. She had a tremendous love for animals, especially dogs. She married the late Roger D. Rochelo Feb. 2, 1991, in Pittsfield. He predeceased her Feb. 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) and 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, Michael and Anthony Vallone; her brother Fr. Gerald Leibenguth of Hingham; and her beloved dog, Freckles.
The funeral service for Mrs. Rita M. Rochelo will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. at the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St., 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 the Berkshire Humane Society or HospiceCare in the Berkshires, both in care of the funeral home. To share memories and stories, visit rochefuneralhome.com.
