Rita L. Borden

Rita, daughter of the late Gerald T. Bowler and Rita C. (Burke) Bowler, was born in Waterbury, CT. Rita and her younger brother Thomas grew up in Waterbury before moving to Mansfield, CT and was a member of the first graduating class at E.O. Smith High School in 1959. At a young age she developed passions for reading and drawing, which eventually led to a B.A. in Fine Arts in 1963, and an M.A. in Clothing, Textiles and Fashion Design in 1967 from the University of Connecticut. Rita also received her professional certification in interior design from the American Society of Interior Designers. She spent her entire life using her artistic and design talents to create beauty.While at UConn, she met the love of her life, Richard S. Borden, Jr. of Willimantic. In 1965, they married and began their life journey together. For their wedding, Rita used her talents to design and make her own wedding gown. Their marriage marked the beginning of a love story filled with the joy of raising 3 children, Mary (Borden) McKernan, Catherine (Borden) Healy, and John Borden. Throughout the years, Rita and Dick lived in multiple Connecticut homes in Vernon, Cheshire, and Glastonbury. In 1994, they renovated a Victorian style house of their dreams in Manchester, CT, where they have lived for the past 30 years. Rita named this home "Christmas Hill" and it became the heart of all family gatherings. She decorated it for every season and holiday, creating a warm and beautiful atmosphere. Their Manchester home is on the course for the Manchester Road Race and for 30 years runners would hear the theme to the movie Rocky, as they ran the downhill stretch of Porter Street.Rita was a dedicated volunteer and her used her artistic talents to professionally decorate both St. Bartholomew and St. Bridget churches in Manchester. A tradition that she had continued from previous parishes. In 2022, she and Dick were awarded the prestigious St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation by the Archdiocese of Harford, an award nominated within their parish for commendable service for giving of their time and talent to support their parish community.Along with her love of art and her church, what brought Rita the most joy and pleasure in life was spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Richard Borden; her three children, their spouses and grandchildren: Mary (Borden) McKernan, Paul Tortorella, Connor McKernan and Aidan McKernan; Catherine (Borden) Healy, Lt. Gen. John Healy USAFR, Shannon Healy, and Paige Healy; John Borden, Cathleen (Esker) Borden, Sean Borden, and Erin Borden. She is also survived by her brother and his family, Thomas Bowler, Yolanda Bowler, Kelly (Bowler) Hennigan and Tom Bowler as well as her brother-in-law William Borden and his wife Sandra Borden.Calling hours will be held Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Saint Bartholomew Church, 736 Middle Turnpike East, Manchester, CT 06042. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 27 beginning at 10:00am Saint Bartholomew Church followed by Burial. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request any charitable donations be made in Rita's memory to either of the following organizations: Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, 80 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06042; or Manchester Rotary Foundation, PO Box 1, Manchester, CT 06045To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com