Rita (Garamella) Peck, 83, of Southbury died peacefully June 3, with family by her side. She was born in Bridgeport and was the daughter of the late Lena (Comarota) and Antonio Garamella.

Her loving children Kim Macey of Newtown, Robin Henchcliffe, and her husband Warren, of Southbury, and James Damianos, also of Southbury; her beloved brother Jo-John Garamella of Bridgeport; a grandson; one great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews survive Mrs Peck. Her brothers, V. James, Anthony, Salvatore, Michael, and Jack Garamella; her sisters Anne Oppedisano, Lea Garamella, Mae Burlant, Frances Sirella, and Mae Alaimo predeceased her.

Mrs Peck lived in Monroe before moving to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where she lived for 20 years. In 2009, she moved back to Connecticut, to be closer to her family.

She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and writing poetry, where her love for her family flowed through her pen. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. “Ciao.”

Friends and family are invited to gather Sunday, June 8, from 4 to 8 pm, at the Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, June 9, at 11 am, at St Jude Parish, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Newtown.

Memorial donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis TN 38101 or at www.stjude.org.