GOUVERNEUR – Rita Mae Smith, age 81, passed away on April 15, 2026 at Carthage Center.

Burial will be private in the Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Rita was born on April 10, 1945 in Gouverneur to the late Morris and Alice (Facey) Peck. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School and married Phillip Smith. The marriage ended in divorce.

Rita worked the farm, for Kinney Drugs, and drove bus for Indian River Bus Lines. She is survived by a son, Robert J. Smith, two grandchildren, Kiesha Smith and Shayla Whitton, and great-grandchildren, Paisley and Nolan, and has one on the way.

Rita is predeceased by her parents and a son, John P. Smith.