SISTER RITA LAMY (Sister Mary Leonide) of the Sisters of Mercy died peacefully on April 2, 2015 at St. Mary Home. The daughter of Josephat and Leonida (Matteau) Lamy, Sister was born July 17, 1927 in Watertown, CT. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on December 28, 1946 and professed religious vows June 28, 1949. Sister earned her teaching degree from St. Joseph College, now the University of St. Joseph, and taught at numerous Catholic schools throughout Connecticut's 3 dioceses, including Our Lady of Mercy School in Madison where she became a renowned principal for almost a decade. A hallmark of Sister Rita's success as an administrator was her willingness to listen to all sides of an issue before making and implementing a difficult decision. She served as principal at St. Mary School in Milford before returning to Madison to assume the position of Registrar at Mercy Center, a position she held for 11 years. Sister later ministered as gift shop coordinator at St. Mary Home until her retirement in 2010. Sister Rita was an extremely organized individual, a strict teacher, but no stricter with her pupils than she was with herself. Formal in her dress and bearing, Sister Rita's soft side was betrayed by her dimpled smile and distinctive, infectious laughter. Sister is predeceased by her brothers, Henry and Irving. She is survived by nieces, nephews and her sisters in Mercy. Her life will be celebrated with a Mass of the Resurrection on Tuesday April 7 at 3:00 p.m. in St. Mary Home Chapel 2021 Albany Ave. West Hartford, CT. Calling hours will precede the funeral Mass beginning at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery immediately following the funeral liturgy. Those wishing to make a donation in Sister Rita's memory are invited to consider the Sisters of Mercy, c/o 55 East Cedar St., Newington, CT 06111. To share a memory with the Community or family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.