Rita B. Garceau

age 101, of Cranston, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026 at home surrounded by family, caregivers and her pet Yorkie, Brianna.

Born In Providence, she was the daughter of Henry G. and Blanche R.E. (Auger) Garceau, and was a lifelong resident of Cranston.

Rita was a proprietor of the Arlington News Company in Cranston for over thirty-five years along with her siblings Edmund and Ray. The Arlington News Company provided a valuable service to the local community and grew to be a vital and popular gathering spot. As an owner of that business, Rita provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere that customers still talk about today. She shared her quick wit and sense of humor with all that came through the door as well as with family and friends.

Rita enjoyed many activities during her life. She was an avid golfer and was the first female member at Alpine Country club. She won many golf tournaments and has several plaques and trophies on display there. She golfed until she was 101 years old. She was also on many bowling leagues where she also won several trophies. Rita enjoyed roller skating and taught skating lessons at Riverdale Skating rink where she introduced her brother Eddie to Claire who become his wife of 64 years. Rita also introduced her brother Henry to Helen who became his wife of 59 years. Rita enjoyed playing cards weekly with her brothers and sisters-in-law. Rita took great pride in maintaining her property. Her green lawn was perfectly manicured with flawless edges and flower beds, as well as snow blowing her driveway and shoveling her sidewalks. She took care of the property herself into her late nineties. She was passionate about watching golf, was a devoted Red Sox fan and recently a Patriots fan.

Rita is survived by 17 nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews and her beloved dog Brianna.

She was the loving sister of the late Henry G. Garceau, Don J. Garceau, Raymond L. Garceau, Edmund W. Garceau and Roland F. Garceau.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful service provided by the Right At Home agency and extend their gratitude to Rita’s loving caregivers Lauren, Hemmie and Sivenie. We also offer special thanks to Lois, Joan, Cathy, Joyce and Marlene. They were all extremely helpful and provided wonderful care and warm company over the past few years. We would also like to thank the Beacon Hospice nurses who provided special comfort for her.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 9:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St Mary’s Church, Cranston. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, West Greenwich. VISITING HOURS will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, http://main.acsevents.org/goto/JoycePucino26

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