Rita Ann Arseneau, a beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida, after a brief struggle with cancer. Born on October 27, 1945, in Buffalo, New York, Rita's love of the sun, brought her to the sunny shores of Bradenton, Florida in 1995.
Rita, the cherished daughter of Joseph and Margaret Caruana, grew up in a warm and loving family with her siblings Dr. Joseph (Christine) Caruana, Linda (Thomas) Viksjo, and the late Nancy (James) Caruana Dolce. Her light shone brightly as a sister, and she carried that same radiance into her own family as a wife of over 50 years to her husband Thomas Arseneau, and loving mother to Katherine and Kristen Arseneau. Rita also took great joy in being an aunt to Julia (Eran) Kabakov, Laura (Aric) Caruana Kopf, Dr. Emily (Nathan) Caruana Hay, Dr. Michael (Dr. Maureen Grossi) Viksjo, Stephen (Daniel Strassburger) Viksjo, Jeffrey (Kelly Baker) Viksjo, Margaret, Alisha, and Zachery Dolce—each of whom she adored with every fiber of her being. She was also a sister-in-law to Paul (Edith) Arseneau and Joyce Frost. Rita was also a great aunt to many great nieces and nephews.
Rita graduated from Rosary Hill (now Daemen University) and received her master's in education from Buffalo State University. She was an elementary school teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools for over two decades and a substitute teacher in the Manatee County Schools. Rita had a passion for teaching and a dedication to her students, inspiring both of her daughters to teach as well.
An avid lover of puzzles and games, Rita found joy in the challenges of Sudoku, Lumosity, and Wordle as well as rooting for her beloved Buffalo Bills. She also loved reading and swimming in her pool, canning various vegetables and fruits (jams) to send to her loved ones, baking, playing the piano, and spending as much time as possible with her family and friends. She cherished her friendships she made in business, church, and the gyms in the area. Rita's playful spirit came alive during card and board games, and her laughter was infectious to all who played alongside her. Music was Rita's soul's language, and she expressed it beautifully through her piano renditions of "O Holy Night," "On Top of Spaghetti," and "The Impossible Dream." These melodies brought emotions, and memories to every listener.
Rita's legacy is one of love, kindness, humor, and generosity. Qualities she embodied every day. Her quick wit, laughter, and smile will be missed. Affectionately known to people who knew her well as 'Rita-isms". She loved to have fun, and believed in the power of kindness, and has been a beautiful example for us all. We know her memory will continue to inspire us to live with intention, to cherish every moment, and to love without reservation.
A memorial mass will take place at 1:00PM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church 2850 75th St W, Bradenton, FL 34209.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
