SPENCER; Rita A. (Fritze) Paras, 98, formerly of Howe Village in Spencer, died Saturday, April 27 at Quaboag Rehab and Skilled Care Center in West Brookfield.
She was the wife of Thomas Paras who died in 1974.
She leaves a daughter, Barbara C. Nolin and her husband Stanley of Spencer, two grandchildren; Susan St. Germain and her husband Jim of Spencer, Thomas Sargent and his wife Heidi of Andover, and four great-grandchildren; Zachary and Tyler Sargent, Nick and Sarah St. Germain.
She was pre-deceased by a brother, Robert O. Fritze in 2012.
Born in Spencer, she was the daughter of Willie A. & Elozia (Letendre) Fritze.
Mrs. Paras started her career as a shoe worker at Klevin Shoe Co. in Spencer where she worked for 30 years. She then became the activities director at Stone House Nursing Home and Lincoln Manor Rest Home for 10 years. She also worked at Oakhill Greenhouse in Spencer for several years.
She was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church. A former 30 year member of the Spencer Garden Club, AARP-Spencer Chapter, Spencer Golden Age Club and former President of the Howe Village Tenants Association.
Rita loved life. She took each day at a time and would go any where with a phone call. She lived her life her way, but would do any thing she could to help anyone. She would not want anyone to grieve her passing, but celebrate her life.
At the family’s request there are no services planned. The J. HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer is directing arrangements.
Donations may be made in Rita’s name to the Second Chance Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.