Katherine Marie (Jacobs) Rioux, 90, of Chester, NH, passed away peacefully on Saturday February 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her home. She was born on February 7, 1936, in Derry, NH, one of fourteen children of the late John and Beatrice (Hill) Jacobs. Katherine worked as a fancy stitcher for Klev-Bro Shoe in Derry, retiring only when the shop closed. She loved her Sunday Bingo at the Derry Boys and Girls Club with her son Shawn and friends Debbie and Stephanie. She also enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, playing cards and watching westerns and game shows. Katherine was an avid reader of Harlequin intrigue romances.
She is survived by two sons, Joseph P. (Judith) Rioux of Windham, and Michael J. (Virginia) Rioux Sr. of Chester, five grandchildren, Angela (Steve) Sullivan, Rebecca (Michael Jr.) Najuch, Michael (Katie) Rioux Jr., Nicole Rioux and Joseph D. Rioux, 13 great grandchildren, Timothy Rioux, Hunter Sullivan, Alyssa McFadden, David McFadden, Emanuel Rioux, Anthony Rioux, Angelino Rodriguez, Alexia Rodriguez, Joseph Rioux, Brooke Rioux, Mya Rodriguez, Jordan Rioux, and Jacob Rioux; two great great grandchildren, Parker and Emmet Rioux, one sister, Jeanne Sanborn of NC; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 46 years, Joseph Rioux in 2002 and her son Shawn Rioux in 2022.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the care team at Amedisys in Bedford for all their time and compassion in caring for Katherine.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 5 – 7pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday February 13, 2026, at 10:00am in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 26 Crystal Avenue, Derry. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Gilcreast Road, Londonderry.