Rita G. Durgin, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Orleans, Massachusetts, passed away at age 97 on April 10, 2025 in Gilbert, Arizona.
Rita was born in Killingly, Connecticut to the late Arthur J Moulin and Ida M. Moulin. She is survived by her daughter Sherri (Larry), son Ronald (Christine), and daughter, Diane, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents, husband, William Durgin, first husband, Arthur Morin, and siblings, Arthur Moulin, and Marcus Moulin.
Rita was a survivor of childhood polio. She walked with God throughout her life, facing challenges with faith, gentle humor, and determination.
Rita was an adventurer, lifelong learner, and loyal friend. Her optimistic spirit was infectious. She traveled the world with her husband, Bill. She learned how to paint in her late eighties and mastered technology. Amazon Alexa and Siri assisted her whenever possible. Rita never met a stranger and would strike up conversations wherever she went. She was always thinking of others and will be dearly missed.
Family and friends will gather to honor Rita and celebrate her life at the Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 2654 E. Williams Field Road in Gilbert at 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
The family wants to extend special thanks to the caregivers and staff at Clearwater Agritopia, Always Present Hospice, and Sunland Home Care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to Shriners Hospital for Children (lovetotherescue.org) in Rita’s honor. Mountain View Funeral Home in Mesa, Arizona is assisting the family.
Visitation will be held from 3pm to 4:30pm, with a Recitation of the Rosary at 3:30pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Mountain View Funeral Home located at 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85207.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church located at 2654 East Williams Field Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85296.
Interment will follow at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery located 7900 East Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85207.
Arrangements were care for by Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 7900 E. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85207
She was a wonderful woman and a second mother to me. I have so many happy memories of her and of Dad Durgin. My thoughts and prayers are with Diane, Sharon, Ron and all the family. xx
My thoughts and prayers are with Sherri, Ronald, Diane and their families in the loss of their mother. She lived an amazing life and will be remember forever. May Rita rest in eternal peace. Love, Richard
My thoughts and prayers are with Sherri, Ronald, and Diane and their families. I have so many memories of my cousin, Rita. While there were happy times and sad times, she survived them all with amazing strength and kindness. I will cherish my memories forever. May she rest in eternal peace! Love, Richard
My mother (Lillian Chapman) was Rita’s first cousin. She loved Rita, she visited her every time she could and she spoke of her all of the time. My wish is that somewhere out there, Rita and my mom have reunited, are drinking a highball, and laughing together.
When I look to my living room window sill, I see a special piece of pottery that Mrs. Durgin painted for me many years ago. She will always be remembered with love.
I met Rita in Acupuncture and she stole my heart! I’m blessed to have know her❤️ She made me several beautiful thank you cards for making her cookies! I am making a collage with them, they are cherished works of art! I love you Miss Rita, may you now rest in Heaven with our father and your family that has passed on.
Love you,
Linda
My thoughts with you and family at this time. Your mom lead a spirited and purposeful life. She sure had a beautiful, engaging and warm smile.
May she rest in God’s peace 🙏🌷
She was a wonderful woman and a second mother to me. I have so many happy memories of her and of Dad Durgin. My thoughts and prayers are with Diane, Sharon, Ron and all the family. xx
My thoughts and prayers are with Sherri, Ronald, Diane and their families in the loss of their mother. She lived an amazing life and will be remember forever. May Rita rest in eternal peace. Love, Richard
My thoughts and prayers are with Sherri, Ronald, and Diane and their families. I have so many memories of my cousin, Rita. While there were happy times and sad times, she survived them all with amazing strength and kindness. I will cherish my memories forever. May she rest in eternal peace! Love, Richard
My mother (Lillian Chapman) was Rita’s first cousin. She loved Rita, she visited her every time she could and she spoke of her all of the time. My wish is that somewhere out there, Rita and my mom have reunited, are drinking a highball, and laughing together.
When I look to my living room window sill, I see a special piece of pottery that Mrs. Durgin painted for me many years ago. She will always be remembered with love.
I met Rita in Acupuncture and she stole my heart! I’m blessed to have know her❤️ She made me several beautiful thank you cards for making her cookies! I am making a collage with them, they are cherished works of art! I love you Miss Rita, may you now rest in Heaven with our father and your family that has passed on.
Love you,
Linda
My thoughts with you and family at this time. Your mom lead a spirited and purposeful life. She sure had a beautiful, engaging and warm smile.
May she rest in God’s peace 🙏🌷