Rita C. Betournay

Rita Cecile Betournay (Roy) 92, was taken home by our Lord on Saturday, November 1, 2025 (“All Saints Day”). Born on October 17, 1933, in Holyoke to Wilfred Roy and Alberta Roy (Cote). Rita leaves behind her two loving sons, Roy L. Betournay and Glenn R. Betournay and his longtime partner, Keri Riley, grandson, Corey J. Seabury all of Chicopee, and sister, Doris (Roy) Nadeau of South Hadley and countless, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. She was raised and educated in Holyoke and was a graduate of Precious Blood School and a former employee of Acme Chain, she lived and worked the remainder of her life in Chicopee. Devoted Wife to Emile Betournay and Memere to her beloved Grandson, Corey J. Seabury. She was predeceased by her 2 sons Ray and Mark and her husband Emile and sister Lorraine Michon (Roy). She was a tireless and devoted Mother and Homemaker for: Roy, Ray, Mark, and, Glenn, and his longtime Girlfriend, Keri, whom she so loved and called daughter. She was and will be remembered as a truly dedicated Mother, especially dedicated in her later years to caring for her eldest son Roy who was blind, he also supported her during her most trying times. Rita loved being surrounded by her family and friends for even the smallest of gatherings. She so loved cooking and baking for her family and friends, especially at the holidays. Rita had an amazing singing voice and was always asked to sing at numerous events, including in her younger years at the Valley Arena in Holyoke, her most requested songs were: Ava Maria, Moon River and I left my heart in San Francisco. Rita and her husband Emile, were both very actively involved in the WW1, WW2 and Korean War night events and took great pleasure in entertaining the crowds. They were also avid dancers whereas the floor would clear when they were dancing. She was a lifelong devout Catholic Parishioner of the old and new, Nativity of the BVM Church, most recently St. Rose de Lima. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, Nov. 7, for calling hours for Rita, from 4-7 PM at Brunelle Funeral Home, 811 Chicopee St, Chicopee MA. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8, beginning at 9 AM from the funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Rose de Lima Church, 600 Grattan St., Chicopee. Burial will follow after the Mass at St. Rose de Lima Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Home Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. For more information and online condolences please visit www.brunellefuneralhome.com.