Marlborough- Rita C. (Gardella) Roche, 92, of Ridgefield, Connecticut and formerly of Marlborough died Thursday May 1, 2014 at Filosa Convalescent Home in Danbury, Ct.  Rita was the wife of the late Thomas E. Roche who died in 2005. Born in Haverhill on January 24,1922, raised in Salem,NH and Biddeford, Maine, Rita was the daughter of the late Joseph and Blanche (Langlois) Gardella. She was a graduate of Woodbury High School, Salem, NH and Burdett College in Boston.  She was an executive secretary for Raytheon in Wayland for 35 years retiring in 1987.  Rita was a member of the retired Raytheon Administrators, a member of Founders Hall in Ridgefield, CT and was a former member of Immaculate Conception Church. She enjoyed travelling, reading, crafts, and painting and was an avid golfer. Rita was easy to talk to, social, vivacious, a well spoken lady known for her fashion sense and ability to make friends wherever she went.  She leaves her son Paul J. Roche and his wife Deborah of Ridgefield, Conn; her sister-in-law Margaret Roche of Marlborough; many nephews and nieces. She was pre-deceased by three brothers, Victor and William of Salem, NH and Albert Gardella of Biddeford, ME.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday May 9, 2014 at 11 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Prospect Street, Marlborough. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Thursday May 8 from 5-8 p.m. in the Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home ( www.CollinsFuneral.com ), 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough. All are invited to sign Rita's online guestbook at www.CollinsFuneral.com .  Rita's family is very appreciative of the care Rita received during the last few years from her many caregivers, especially the wonderful staff at Filosa.  Donations in her memory may be made to Friends of Ridgefield Parks and Recreation, PO Box 385, Ridgefield, Ct 06877.