Bathurst – Mrs. Rita M. Duval, at the age of 93, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, while in Palliative Care at the Bathurst Regional Hospital. 

Widower since 1983 (married to Arthur Duval of Bathurst), Mrs. Duval is survived by her children: Roger (Jeannine), Louise (Robert), Patrick (Yvette), Marc, and Pierre (Andrea); 6 grandchildren (André, Daniel, Chanelle, Mark, Nichole, and Noah); and 2 great grandchildren (Soleil and Maxwell). 

In the early years and life with a young family, Rita spent many summers at the family cottage on Carron Point. After retirement from banking (RBC and Scotiabank), she enjoyed an active lifestyle hiking the Grand Canyon, winning medals at the NB Seniors Games, stretching her muscles at Dusty Sneakers, socializing and competing with fellow bowlers, enjoying various bus tours and traveling with friends and family.

In her latter years, Rita became an avid shopper, while enjoying the Costco experience.

The oldest of 11 children, Rita was from a musical family, the Picot's on Queen Street. Listening to Lawrence Welk and the Big Band sound filled her heart with joy, including the familiar sound of "good night, sleep tight..." Bonne nuit maman, nous t'aimons beaucoup!

Funeral mass will be held at Holy Family church on Tuesday November 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. 

The family would like to thank the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at the Bathurst Regional Hospital and Percy's Place Hospice in Miramichi for their personal care and support.

Donations in memory of Rita may be made to the Canadian Cancer society or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home, Bathurst. (www.elhatton.com).