Rita A. (Gagnon) Pevine, 96, formerly of Franklin, passed away at her home in Newport Center, Vermont, on March 16, 2026, after a short illness. She was born in Laconia on Aug. 1, 1929, the daughter of Henri and Salamee Rose (Provencal) Gagnon.
Rita lived in Laconia, where she attended schools, later moving to Franklin, in 1946, and finally to Newport Center, Vermont. For many years Rita was employed as a stitcher with the former Tilton Dress Company and Crow Hill Company in Franklin. She was an active member of the VFW Post #1698 Ladies Auxiliary in Franklin. She was a parishioner of St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Franklin.
She enjoyed working in her flower garden, watching the birds from her window, dancing and walking her dog Krista. She was known for her pancakes, or as she referred to them as “crepes,” that she lovingly made for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her family barbecues in the back yard and Christmas Eve at her home. She also loved watching the Red Sox with her sister-in-law Joan and attended every Franklin Class Day Parade to watch her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren over the years.
Rita was predeceased by her husband of 31 years, Leo A. Pevine, who died in 1977; a son, Leo H. Pevine, in 1966; and a grandson, Jonathan R. Bennett, in 1974. She is also preceded by her brothers Lionel, Adrian, Leo and Arthur Gagnon, her sisters Eva Stendor, Mary Anne VanDine and Dora Stevens.
Her surviving family includes Diane M. Tilton and her husband Michael, of Tilton, Pauline A. Bennett and her husband David, of Meredith, Michael L. Pevine and his wife Kathy, of Franklin, Debra A. Letourneau, of Newport Center, Vermont, and Mark E. Pevine and his partner Kattie Montambeault, of Franklin. She is also survived by her sister Leona “Peanut” Daigneau, her best friend of Laconia, and her 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
According to her wishes there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held in the spring in Holy Cross Cemetery in Franklin.
The Smart Memorial Home in Tilton is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit smartmemorialhome.com for more information.
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