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Rita U. (Perone) Gaumond

Posted 2026-03-09 by mhenderson
Published by The Miner on Feb. 25, 2026 -
Kingman, Arizona -

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother
Rita U. (Perone) Gaumond on Feb. 21, 2026, our best friend, our
protector and our hero. Rita was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on
April 28, 1941, to John Perone and Philomena (Boggio) Perone.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Roger Gaumond they were
married from 1962 until his passing in 2023 and her baby son who passed
away at birth in 1975. Rita is survived by her son Roger Gaumond Jr.,
Terry Ferrall) Daughter Sandra Gaumond (Karen Lopez), Braylin McMillion
Step Grandson, Patrica Geddes of Pawtucket, RI, Mary Agostini of
Seekonk, Massachusetts and Many Nieces and Nephews. My mom loved her
sisters so much and loved talking to my auntie Patty on the many phone
calls to help make up for the distance between them. Family friend Tara
Gilpin for always trying to help my mom and most of all for her making
her laugh and smile.

Rita was a dutiful homemaker who volunteered at her children’s schools,
made sure her children had a loving home, and sacrificed time and
resources to see that her children had an outstanding education. She was
an excellent cook who loved to make her plentiful Italian suppers for
her family and friends and in our eyes was the mother of the year for 62
years. Growing up in the 1970s, she loved taking us to Cape Cod where
mom and dad rented a home for two weeks and watched us play endlessly in
the ocean, ate lots of lobster and spoiling us endlessly. We also went
on numerous other summer vacations to Massachusetts, Maine, New
Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania. Other special outings were the
famous Rocky Point amusement park in RI eating at the famous Shore
Dinner Hall with endless steamers, clam chowder, clam cakes and
spaghetti. Wrights farm was also a cherished family memory with the most
amazing chicken, salad and shells all you can eat in a family style
atmosphere. Most weekends my mom spent with Roger and his sister
Florence and her husband Percy playing canasta late into Saturday
evening. Mom enjoyed her “card parties” with her friends although they
never played cards. They ate and drank wine, talked, and laughed. We had
so many great family memories. Thanksgiving was her favorite time of
year. It took her 5 days to prepare and 5 days to eat all the leftovers.
It was a feast with so much great food, turkey enough sides to feed an
army, antipasto, and her Italian wedding soup. This tradition she
carried with us to Arizona and was always generous inviting everyone so
no one would be alone.

We moved to Kingman, Arizona in 1983 my mom and dad started a janitorial
business and worked tirelessly to help in that endeavor but still make
time to take care of her family and made sure we always had a big meal
for supper. Our mom and dad loved going to Laughlin and Las Vegas to
gamble, eat a good dinner, and shopping.

The past 20 years she had many health problems but fought endlessly with
pain and had unending fortitude and determination that we pray she is
finally at peace.

We wish to thank Dr. Sahawneh who tried tirelessly to fix the mess of
the traveling butcher (surgeon), he continued for years to help her.
Silver Creek pain specialist Nina and Melinda who never judged her for
all the pain meds she needed, just tried to help and listen to her.
Caregivers along the way Jeannie helped my mom and dad at their home for
a few years, Kerri at White Cliffs who became her friend and would just
sit and have morning coffee with her and Angie the night shift caregiver
who loved my mom and my mom loved her. Maxs in home care for spending
time with my mom and giving her showers, and Jenny Wessels my friend who
also kept my mom company and watched endless hours of the sopranos over
and over again. Chloe Roberts and Trisha when my mom could not go to the
shop anymore to get her hair done you eagerly went to her at White
Cliffs. You all gave my mom company and helped her feel safe when we
could not be with her while at work and for that I thank you.

Services will be held in the spring. We will bring my mom and dad back
to RI where they will be laid to rest. Salute my fierce Italian,
courageous and brave momma in the words of my friend Jenny “A force to
be reckoned with " and that she was.





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