M. Rita (Smith) Mayhew

M. Rita Mayhew, 86, of Canton passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Ogdensburg. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 21, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church in Canton with Rev. Douglas J. Lucia, celebrating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery, Canton

Rita is survived by a son, Brian K. Mayhew and his wife Angela of Mechanicsville, NY; a step-daughter, Susan Feiden of Albany, NY; and by grandchildren, Sophia, Bella and Nico Mayhew and Michael Lavasseur. She is also survived by a brother Kenneth F. Smith of Canton and numerous nieces and nephews. Rita is predeceased by her husband Keith and by her brothers, Bernard and Paul Smith.

Born April 25, 1930 in Potsdam, Rita is the daughter of the late Patrick and Gertrude (Finn) Smith. She graduated from Canton Central School in 1949 and from Ogdensburg Business School in 1951. Following school, she was employed by the Earl Fadden Insurance Company. On June 10, 1962, Rita married Keith Mayhew in the chapel at St. Mary’s Church, Canton.

A communicant of St. Mary’s Church, Rita was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, volunteered in the St. Mary’s School office and participated in countless bereavement dinners. For many years, Rita was a member of The Canton Club bowling league and was an active golfer at the St. Lawrence Golf and Country Club. She enjoyed playing cards and loved her cats.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Potsdam Humane Society, 17 Madrid Avenue; Potsdam, NY 13676. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.  

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