Rita P. Paulsen, age 83, of Derby peacefully entered into eternal rest in her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday August 2, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas Paulsen. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on February 17, 1943 the daughter of the late Bernard T. and Rita (Conway) Smith.
Rita’s family was her pride and joy. Prior to her retirement, she worked very hard and had her own sewing, daycare and cleaning businesses. She also was a very talented upholsterer, artist and musician. She cherished spending her time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren above everything else.
She is survived by her children Rita Juzwiakowski, Sharon Belfonti (John), and Deborah Christianson (Matthew), her grandchildren Tracy Vargas Jr. (Tricia), Jared Vargas, Cassandra Paulsen, Alyssa Weiser (Stefan), Vera Belfonti, Jack Belfonti, and Maya Belfonti, her great grandchildren Leonardo Vargas, Ruby Vargas, Troy Vargas, Emery Paulsen, Ivy Weiser, and Travis Vargas, her siblings Reverend Ronald Smith and Carole Grimes, and her former spouse William Juzwiakowski. She was predeceased by her siblings Bernard Smith, Thomas Smith, Anthony Smith, Lawrence Smith, and Donald Smith.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Wednesday August 5 from 4 PM to 7 PM in the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St. Derby. On Thursday everyone is invited to go directly to St. Joseph Church, 50 Fairmont Pl. Shelton, for her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Peter Cemetery, Derby. Condolences can be offered online at www.adzimafh.com.