Rita N Carignan – 74, of West Sand Lake, passed away peacefully on Sunday January 30, 2023 at home surrounded by loved ones. Her passing came shortly after being diagnosed with Lung Cancer.
Born in Troy, she was the daughter of the late Reginald J. and Genevieve Carignan. Rita attended Catholic Central HS. For the past 20 years, she found her calling as a bus driver for the Averill Park Schools, where she greeted students with a smile every morning, right up to the month before her passing. In her free time, when she wasn’t sharing stories and giving humorous life lessons to family, she had a passion for gardening, fishing, antiquing, visiting the casino and adventures with her sister, Bonnie Miller (predeceased).
Rita was always the “Cool Mom” and was a cherished mother to Miles Carignan (Kimberley Cowles), Kimberly Connors and Dustin Gilbert and briefly a surrogate mom to Matt Begin. Rita was affectionately called Grams by her loving grandchildren; Matthew Connors, Samantha Connors, Christopher Connors, Joseph Connors and Jared Carignan. She is survived by several adored nieces, nephews and friends.
As per her wishes, there will be no funeral or mass service, however family and friends are invited to a Celebration of life ceremony being held this Friday Feb 3rd from 4 to 8pm at the Lansingburgh Veterans Club, located at 777 first Ave Troy, NY 12182
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