BRISTOL, Conn. — Rita L. “Hayden” LaFontaine, born March 1, 1941, in Rochester, N.H., passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, July 30, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Rita was a wonderful and loving mother of three daughters, Donna Green and her husband, Allen, of Bristol, Conn., Michelle Selwood and her husband, Aaron, of Augusta and Debbie Aubin and her husband, James, of Bristol, Conn.; and an unforgettable sister of Norman LaFontaine and Theresa Dubuc of New Britain, Conn.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, Beatrice and Louis LaFontaine; a young brother, Louis “Peter” LaFontaine; and an older sister, Jo-Ann Berry.

She was a loving grandmother of seven grandchildren, Theresa, Kayla, Crystal, Joshua, Travis, Jessica and Samantha; plus a great-granddaughter, Danyl.

She made a life of helping others. She was a CNA most of her life here in Bristol as well as in Maine. Her bright smile and the way she could always make others smile and laugh will sadly be missed by all who knew her.

Her loving partner, Efrain Rivera and her best friend, Rella Poulin were by her side throughout her courageous battle, until her candle of life was extinguished and she was called to be our angel.

We will always remember her smile, kindness, words of wisdom. Although our hearts are sad today, knowing that she at peace will lighten our hearts with each day that follows.

Friends are invited to share their condolences on line at WWW.Dunnfh.com.