CHAMPLAIN -- Rita Rose Martin Bechard, 84, of Champlain passed away peacefully Monday, Nov. 28, 2005, at Birchwood Nursing Home in Burlington, Vt. She was surrounded by her loving family at her side.Rita was born Jan. 23, 1921, in Lacolle, Quebec, Canada, daughter of the late Arthur and Adelia Martin.She married Orel Bechard of Champlain on Aug. 15, 1940. He predeceased her on Nov. 17, 2003. They shared 63 wonderful years together.She is survived by three daughters, Therese and Michael Laurin of Burlington, Vt., where Rose had been residing for the last five years and where she received the love nurture and care she so deserved from her daughter Therese, M.J. and Bill Hyduke of Colchester, Vt., and Denise and Andy Kreller of Atlanta, Ga., she leaves behind nine grandchildren, Daniel and Shelly Laurin of Champlain, David and Myrna Laurin of Colchester, Vt., Lisa and Craig Emmons of Grand Isle, Vt., Kim and Brian Grenon of Colchester, Vt., Tanya and Dave Carter, Karen Duncan, Jamie Kreller of Connecticut, Robbie and Aimee Kreller. She leaves behind 16 great-grandchildren, Patrick, Stephen, Nicole, Ashley, Joshua, Zoe, Oliver, Derek, Veronica, Taylar, Macie, Brittany, Katie, Bradley, Ashley, Coutney; and other special great-grandchildren. Rita leaves behind a special nephew, Andre for whom she held a very special place in her heart and her dog "Peanut," who she loved so much. She also leaves behind her brother, Gerald of Lacolle, Quebec.Rita is predeceased by her other children, Madeline, Therese, Louise, Nicole, Andre; her sister, Agnes; and three brothers, Maurice, Paul and Jean of Lacolle, Canada.Rita enjoyed being on the farm, cooking and visits from her extended family on the weekends. She enjoyed her great- grandchildren, her eyes would light up every time she would see them. She would be waiting for them in the morning looking out the window and greeting them with her warm smile. She will be missed by many friends and family. She touched many lives and will not be forgotten. Calling hours will be Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Clark Funeral Home in Champlain. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2005, at St. Mary's Church in Champlain.