Rita M. Jones, 72, of Willimantic, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, August 26, 2002 after a brief illness. She had been employed at the former Electro-Motive Co. and the Kendal Co. for many years and most recently at Douglas Manor in Windham before retirement. Rita was a member and former officer of the Ladies Auxiliary of the James J. Shea Post #19, American Legion. She leaves her husband of 51 years, Austin Jones, 2 daughters and a son-in-law, Susan and Glenn Heinonen, Kathy Jones, a son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Cathy Jones, 4 grandchildren, Kari and Erich Heinonen, Stacey and Keith Jones, 2 sisters, Diane Coriaty and Lee Ann Beaulac, 2 brothers, Harvey Pepin and Ernest Pepin, many nieces and nephews. Her family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Windham Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 238 West Town St. Norwich, CT 06360 or to Dial-a-Ride, 872 Main St. Willimantic, CT 06226.