Rita A. Howard

Rita A. Howard, 79, of Saco, passed away with her family by her side on Sunday evening, October 10, 2021, at home.

She was born in Biddeford on February 25, 1942, a daughter of Andrew and Dorothy (Gay) Labbe.

Rita graduated from Scarborough High School, class of 1960. She also went on to study Gorham State Teachers College.

Rita married her husband Daniel Howard on May 5, 1962. They were married 58 years until his passing.

She was employed by Components, Inc. in Biddeford for several years and later worked for 16 years at North East Insurance Company in South Portland, retiring in 2007.

Rita had many interesting hobbies. She enjoyed cooking and also had a creative side painting with oils and decorating cakes. Rita and her husband Daniel spent time traveling. They took trips to Aruba, Hawaii and to see family in Florida. The family will cherish the memories made and she will forever remain in our hearts.

Rita was predeceased by her father in 1944, her mother in 2000 and her husband Daniel in 2020.

She is survived by her son Daniel Howard Jr. and his wife Sally of Celebration, Florida, her grandson Andrew Howard of Atlanta, Georgia, and granddaughters Abigail Howard of Del Ray Beach, Florida and Kathryn Howard of Los Angeles, California. She is also survived by three sisters Dorothy Pearsall of Westford, Massachusetts, Evelyn Hartsell of Wichita, Kansas and Jean Deschler of Columbus, Ohio and nieces and nephews.

Visiting Hours will be from 11AM – 1PM, with a Funeral Service at 1PM, Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco. A Graveside Service will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco.

If friends desire, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org