June L. (Fairbanks) Rio

December 25, 1934 - December 29, 2020

RUTLAND - June L. Rio (Fairbanks), 86, passed away on the evening of December 29, 2020, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her loving husband, Raymond “Red” Rio predeceased her in 1985. June was born in Ware on Christmas Day 1934 to Roslyn H.E. and Abigail E. (Boynton) Fairbanks. She spent her childhood in Brookfield and attended Brookfield High School, graduating on the day of the 1953 Flint-Worcester Tornado. It was working at the McLaurin-Jones paper mill when she met the love of her life, Raymond. The two were married shortly after and would bring their three “beautiful and smart” girls into the world. The family moved from East Brookfield to Rutland in 1964, when Raymond opened the Rutland Center Barber Shop. June spent the rest of her life in Rutland, including living next door to daughter Sally and Barry, her son-in-law with whom she had a special bond, and creating many happy memories with her children and grandchildren. She spent 32 years as an Occupational Counselor working with developmentally challenged adults, a job that brought her tremendous joy. Upon her retirement, June received a Citation from then-Governor Cellucci for her dedicated service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. June was a nurturer who loved to care for not only her family and friends but anyone she could. She was a fantastic cook and baker, hosting many holidays and Sunday dinners filled with too much food and lots of love. Her delicious apple pie was second to none. She was a tremendous presence in the lives of her three grandchildren, Megan, Amanda, and Abigail, and beyond the best “Noonie” they could have ever asked for. Recently she loved to spend time with her great-grandchildren, Natalie, Violet, and Ambrose, dancing, singing, playing, and filling their lives with even more of her wonderful spirit. June’s boundless love and selflessness will continue to guide and embrace her family for years to come. June is survived by her daughters Sally A. Blomgren and her husband, Barry of Worcester, Nancy J. Rio of Rutland, and Jolene E. Castellani and her husband, Tony of Jefferson. Besides her husband and her parents, June was predeceased by her siblings Roslyn Fairbanks, Evelyn Menard, George Fairbanks and Marion Thibeault, and her in-laws Helen (Sullivan) and James Rio. A private graveside service honoring her life will be held at Rural Cemetery in Rutland at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, Greater Worcester Funeral Care. To share a memory or to offer an online condolence, please visit the "Tribute Wall" on this page.