Rita A. Petersen

1939 – 2023

West Springfield – Rita A. (Cayer) Petersen, 83, died peacefully Tuesday morning surrounded by her loving family.  Rita was born in Lachine, Quebec, Canada, the daughter of the late Joseph and Donalda (Lareau) Cayer.  She grew up in Holyoke and has lived in West Springfield for the past 54 years.  Rita was the owner of Merry Maids in West Springfield and Hadley. She was an accomplished artist, and a founding member of the West Springfield Arts Festival.  Rita was also a member of the Arts Council for the Town of West Springfield, a former member of Springfield Country Club and spent much of her time volunteering for the Cancer House of Hope in West Springfield.  She leaves her daughter Loretta Petersen Partner of West Springfield, and her son Kenneth Petersen of Latham, NY.  Besides her parents, Rita was predeceased by her six siblings: Denise, Norman, Roland and Real Cayer, Claire Hercenberg and Yvette Matlock.  The funeral will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Saturday, June 3rd at 10:00 am followed by burial in St. Jerome Cemetery in Holyoke.  Visiting hours will be held Friday, June 2nd from 4:00 – 7:00 pm.  For more information or online condolences please visit curranjones.com.  In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Cancer House of Hope, 1999 Westfield Street, West Springfield, MA 01089.