CANTON – Rita M. Gallant, 81, formerly of Essex Avenue, Rumford, and a summer resident of Roxbury Pond, died Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Victorian Villa in Canton.

She was born in Rumford Feb. 26, 1923, a daughter of John P. and Mary Ann Pineau Gallant. She was educated in Rumford schools, was a graduate of Rumford High School and St. Joseph’s College.

She began her teaching career in the Biddeford school system. She then moved to Rumford and was a teacher at Stephens High School, which later became known as Mt. Valley High School, teaching in the business department for many years.

She was a communicant of St. Athanasius St. John Catholic Church.

She enjoyed carpentry.

Surviving are three brothers, Paul Gallant of Mexico, Albert Gallant of Canton, and Carl Gallant and his wife, Ruth, of Florida; one sister, Pearl Gallant of Massachusetts; and many nieces and nephews.