Rita A. Bellavance, 75, of Highlands, entered into eternal life June 15 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. She was born in Manhattan and lived in Queens, New York until marrying and moving to Highlands, where she remained a lifelong resident.
Rita was primarily a homemaker, raising four children and devoting her time to them and their school and sports activities. Once they were grown, she began her career as a bank teller at United Jersey Mid-State Bank in Highlands, where she worked for over 10 years. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church, Highlands.
Rita was predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Catherine Kinahan (Kelly) as well as her beloved husband Joseph E. Bellavance.
She is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Bellavance and his wife Marguerite of Beachwood and John Bellavance and his wife Patricia of Atlantic Highlands; two daughters, Jeannie Fulleylove of West Virginia and Kathleen Maxwell and her husband Donald of Darlington, Maryland; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Rita is also survived by two brothers, Raymond Kinahan and John Kinahan and his wife Virginia.
A Funeral Mass was offered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church, Highlands for immediate family. Interment took place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joe and Rita’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Posten-McGinley Funeral Home, Atlantic Highlands.
