Poughkeepsie, NY – Marita Rosaire Pelletier (nee Fallon) of Wappingers Falls entered into eternal rest on March 11, 2023 surrounded by her children. Marita was married to Henry Pelletier for 56 years before he predeceased her in 2020.
Marita graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in Manhasset then went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree and teaching certificate in Homemaking from the College of Saint Elizabeth in 1957. Marita continued her studies at Saint John’s University School of Education, earning her Master’s Degree in Education in 1959 and certificate in Guidance Counseling in 1963. Forever a teacher of homemaking, Marita began her professional teaching career at South Side Junior High School in Rockville Center. At the family dinner table when her children were older, Marita would entertain with stories about her substitute teaching experiences in the Wappingers Central School District.
The story goes that Marita literally fell for Henry while they were skiing in Vermont and were inseparable thereafter. Marita and Henry, affectionately nicknamed Mare and Dink, were married in Manhasset in 1964 and made their first home in Valley Stream, NY. Soon they began a family and moved to their current home in Wappingers Falls. There Henry and Marita made many dear and lasting friendships in the neighborhood, enjoying progressive dinners, bridge groups, Christmas brunches and football game gatherings. Faith and family were always at the forefront in their lives. Upon moving to Wappingers Falls, Marita and Henry were devoted members of St. Columba Parish where their children attended school and received sacraments. In her younger years, Marita spent many hours on her boat and tooling around in her Rambler. She was talented with textiles, able to knit cable sweaters and intricate patterns, and spent many hours in her retirement creating cherished quilted items for friends and family.
When Marita and Henry retired, they purchased a home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where they enjoyed walks on the beach, kayaking, sightseeing, and exploring the back roads together. They were faithful members of Our Lady of the Cape in South Dennis. Marita enjoyed spending time at the Senior Center with her circle of friends in the Stitch n Chatter Quilting Group. Marita steadfastly returned to the Cape every March, earning her the title of “the first sign of spring” by her quilting group.
Marita was a consummate loving Mother to her daughter Bernadette (Olsen) and husband Tim of Milford, NH, Son James Pelletier and wife MaryAnne of Stafford Springs, CT, and Daughter Martha of Saratoga Springs, NY. Marita will be missed by her grandchildren Emily (Hunter), Mary (Jim), Jack, Shannon, Zachary, Danny and Jimmy. Great-Granddaughter Fallon bears her GiGi’s maiden name. Marita loved her nieces and nephews Gary, Shelley, Marie, Bonnie (Mark), Janine (Dave), Kathy (Frank) and treasured many family times with them.
Marita is predeceased by her parents Albert and Mary Fallon, her brother-in-law Bob and his wife Mary Pelletier, many dear aunts and uncles and cherished friends.
Services will be held at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction between 3 and 7pm on Monday, March 20. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10am on Tuesday, March 21 at St. Columba Roman Catholic Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY followed by burial at St. Denis Cemetery.
It would make Marita smile from above if you would fill a birdfeeder with black oil seed or tend to some flowers in your yard and celebrate her life by always leaving room for dessert.
Please visit her Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.
