Rita Jeannette Monteiro Colbert 83, of Bridgeport, CT was called to heaven suddenly on 11.23.22.
Rita was born December 3, 1938, in New Bedford, MA. She attended New Bedford High School and went on to earn a Medical Technology Degree from Mount Ida College. She married Leo L Colbert of New Bedford, MA on Sept 2, 1963 then settled in Bridgeport, CT. Employed briefly by Bridgeport Hospital, she then chose to stay at home and raise her 2 sons James and Mark while enjoying her time working as an Avon Representative for more than 45 years.
Rita was a classy lady, who always wore the greatest smile. She created so many valued friendships with her customers and church groups. Her kindness led her to become a caregiver for several friends she became close to.
She sparkled when entering any room and drew the best out of all those she met.
She lived life to its fullest exploring new adventures, traveling and cruising the world with her husband Leo and spending quality time with her sister’s family at the Outer Banks. The matriarch of our family; her greatest pleasure was entertaining; feeding everyone from family, friends, TKE fraternity brothers and her son’s University of Bridgeport Industrial Design Dept. friends. She loved all holidays, especially those spent with her cherished children and grandchildren Kylee & Kallen. To know her was to love her, as she truly cared about everyone and made you feel special. A true Angel taken from us too early.
In addition to her beloved husband Leo of 59 unbelievable years; survivors include son, James & daughter-in-law Deb Sullivan of Berlin, CT, son, Mark & daughter-in-law Julie (Greenfield) Colbert, treasured grandchildren Kylee & Kallen of West Hartford, CT. Her brother, Theodore L. Monteiro, Jr, sister-in-law Madeline (Gaudreau) Monteiro, niece Renee Monteiro-Bernard & son Lucian, niece Rachel & Weisman Tabares & daughter Elizabeth all of North Dartmouth, MA. Sister, favorite travel partner and best friend; Dr Nancy Monteiro-Riviere, her husband Dr. Jim E. Riviere, of Raleigh, NC, nephews Christopher Riviere of San Francisco, CA, the late Brian Riviere of Raleigh, NC, niece Jessica (Riviere) Rogers and husband Christopher Rogers, daughters Aria & Anna of Morrisville, NC.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport, CT on December 10th, 2022 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Margaret Shrine in her honor. 2523 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Rita Jeannette Colbert, please visit our floral store.