Marlborough: Sister Rita Blais, SSA, (Sr. Marie Rita-du-Sauveur) 87, a Sister of St. Anne, died August 19, 2026 at Alliance Health at Marie Esther in Marlborough, MA following a decline in health.

Born in Pawtucket, RI, she was the only child of Domina and Delima (Benoit) Blais, who predeceased her. Sister Rita attended Notre Dame Elementary School and Notre Dame High School in Central Falls, RI. Educated by the Sisters of St. Anne, she entered the Congregation in 1958 and pronounced vows on August 6, 1960. 

Sister Rita earned a Bachelor of Education degree from Anna Maria College, Paxton, MA and Master of Science in Institutional Administration from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. She also held secondary education certifications in Social Studies, Economics, Socio-Business and Religious Education. 

Sr. Rita began her teaching ministry in elementary grades at St. John the Evangelist, Newton, MA; St. James, Manville, RI; and St. Anne, Turners Falls, MA. By 1966, her gifts and studies that she pursued led her to serve in secondary education: as teacher and then principal at Notre Dame High School, Central Falls, RI and at the then Holy Name Central Catholic High School, Worcester, MA. She was also principal of the Notre Dame/St. Matthew Consolidated School in Central Falls, RI. Additionally, Sr. Rita taught at Bishop Feehan High School, Attleboro, MA; served as Coordinator of Religious Education for four parishes in Central Falls, RI; and served as Coordinator of Information Services, Anna Maria College, Paxton, MA. A faithful and dedicated Sister of Saint Anne, Sr. Rita served on numerous community committees and boards and in 1998 began 5 years of service on the Congregational Leadership Team in Lachine, QC.

All of Sister Rita’s life events were marked by her total commitment and dedication to youth and the Sisters of St. Anne.  Sister Rita will be grieved and missed by many, especially her sisters in community, and her cousins and friends.

Funeral Services for Sister Rita Blais will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 in St. Anne Chapel at Alliance Health at 720 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough. Marlborough. The Viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow the Mass at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Collins Funeral Home, (www.CollinsFuneral.com), 378 Lincoln St., Marlborough. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Sisters of St. Anne Retirement Fund, 406 Hemenway St. #30, Marlborough, MA 01752, or to a charity or your choice.