CHAMPLAIN – Rita Marie Cote Bedard, aged 98, passed into the arms of our Lord and Savior on December 23rd.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years Joseph Louis Bedard, seven nephews, one niece, and their families.

She is predeceased by her parents Frank Cote and Lillian West Cote and her two brothers Leo Joseph Cote and Charles Cote.

Rita was born on May 10th, 1924 in West Chazy, NY. She graduated from Chazy Central Rural School. The first in her family to attend college, she began her higher education at Plattsburgh State Teacher's College. She graduated with a teaching degree in Home Economics, then was hired by the Altona School district as the high school Home Economics teacher and the cheerleader coach. She taught for many years at Altona, retiring from Northern Adirondack Central School.

She lived in Chazy, NY for most of her life, but moved to Champlain, NY after her marriage to Joseph Louis Bedard in 1984. She was a Eucharistic Minister and taught religion for many years. Her hobbies included square dancing, playing numerous card games, and the occasional visit to the local casinos. She also made the best peanut brittle in the world. Although she had no children of her own, she was like a second mother and fairy godmother to her nieces, nephews, and their children. Her kindness was unlimited. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Church in Champlain.

The family will receive guests at St. Mary's Church in Champlain on Friday, December 30 ^th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.  A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will take place in the spring in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Chazy.

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.