Rita Masinda

Rita Jean (Caisse) Masinda of Storrs passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2006 at St. Francis Hospital after a short illness. She was born on Feb. 16, 1930, daughter of Arthur and Clara (Hernberg) Caisse. She grew up in Mansfield Depot where she made many lifelong friends, before moving with her family to Storrs. She moved to Willington in 1950 with her marriage to Emil Masinda, who predeceased her. She was very active as President and Secretary for the VFW Auxiliary, Cpl. Henry Toberman Post 938, a member of the original building committee of St. Jude Church, President of St. Jude Guild, and a member of the Willington and Mansfield Senior Citizens. Rita was well-known at the University of CT having worked at the Storrs campus for 36 years. Many families will fondly remember her dressed as Mrs. Santa Claus handing out candy canes at Christmas time. Rita leaves her brother Francis X. Caisse of Pinellas Park, FL; three children: Maureen Gantick, Doreen Lyon and her husband Bruce, and Mark Masinda and his wife Shari, all of Willington; six grandchildren: Emily Lyon and her husband Ian Schlein of Rockville, Shannon Bourbeau and her husband Dan, Carl Lyon, Trevor Gantick, William Masinda and Michael Masinda, all of Willington; and one great-grandson Cameron Bourbeau. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as many wonderful friends. She leaves behind a legacy of enduring friendships, kindness and generosity of spirit. She will be greatly missed. Her family will receive friends at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Wednesday between 5:00 and 8:00pm. Her Funeral Mass will be held at St. Jude Church, 25 Old Farms Rd. Willington on Thursday at 10:00am. Interment will follow in Willington Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to St. Jude Church, 25 Old Farms Rd. Willington CT 06279. For online memorials, go to www.potterfh.com .