LACONIA ---- Rita M. Benoit, 100, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Belknap County Nursing Home, Laconia, NH.
Rita was born on May 12, 1925, in Laconia, the daughter of Arthur and Beatrice (Paquette) Lagueux.
Rita worked at the Laconia Mill as a seamstress during WWII. She enjoyed crocheting, playing the piano, and playing BINGO. Rita and her husband enjoyed playing golf together.
She is survived by her sons Edward W. Benoit, Jr., and his wife Jill, of Howey-in-the-Hills, FL, and Allan A. Benoit, of Laconia, NH; daughter Lynne Marie Santy and her husband Preston, of Sunapee, NH; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Rita is predeceased by her beloved husband Edward W. Benoit, Sr., in 2006; brothers Emile A. Lagueux, Raymond L. Lagueux, Phillip A. Lagueux, and Norman Laguex; and a baby sister.
A Calling Hour will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 9:00am-10:00am at the St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Ave., Laconia NH.
Following the Calling Hour, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 10:00am, also at the church.
A Graveside Service will be held in the family lot on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 10:00am at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield St., Laconia, NH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rita’s name may be made to Franklin VNA and Hospice, 75 Chestnut Street, Franklin, NH 03235.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.