Rita Reinette Blankenhorn, 91, formerly of Orlando, died peacefully on Sunday, May 12, 2024. She was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont on June 20, 1932 to the late Isaac and Adeline (Garand) Duperron. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by husbands, Robert Goguen (1955 -1976) and Thomas Blankenhorn (1982 - 1987), all of her siblings and long-time friend, Bobby Ray Hall. She is survived by several nieces and nephews and step-sons, Thomas (Raquel), Gary and Jeffrey (Rhonda) Blankenhorn.
Rita grew up in St. Johnsbury and graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy. In 1955 she married Robert Goguen and, because of his military assignments, moved to Massachusetts and ultimately to Florida. In 1969, while stationed at McCoy Air Force Base, they purchased a home in Orlando that remained her home for nearly 55 years.
After more than 30 years in the telephone industry, Rita retired and then worked another 10 years for the Orange County Public Schools in elementary lunchroom programs. Perhaps her greatest accomplishments, however, came from the many years of volunteer work she did for so many organizations, especially as a long-time usher at St. John Vianney Catholic Church and in various leadership roles for the American Legion Auxiliary, where she was frequently nicknamed "The General!" She also greatly enjoyed visiting with family, traveling with friends, dancing and playing Bingo.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00PM, Saturday, June 29, 2024 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6200 S Orange Blossom Trail, in Orlando. Inurnment will take place on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Andover, Mass. (Time to be determined.)
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209 is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota or St. John Vianney Catholic Church.
