LACONIA - Rita Grace Marchand died Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Lakes Region General Hospital at the age of 93, with her daughter, Mae, at her side.
Born and raised in Laconia, Rita was a life-long communicant of Sacred Heart Church and attended Sacred Heart School. She worked for many years at Allen-Rogers and also Scott & Williams. Following her retirement, she enjoyed National and International travel with her daughter and kept active with golf and spending time with her "Grandchildren", family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter, Mae Marchand of Goffstown and one sister, Cecile "Sue" Cameron of Bonita Springs, FL. She was predeceased by her parents, Meleda (Lemay) Blais and William Blais and her siblings; Lionel Blais, Jeanette Haddock, Viola Monahan, Doris Marquis, Robert Blais, Roger Blais and Gerard Blais.
Rita will be sadly missed by her many nieces and nephews from around the globe, who remember her caring support and fun loving nature. In addition, she and her daughter shared a large group of friends who enjoy many wonderful memories of time shared with Rita.
She also leaves behind her extended family of cherished friends; Mary and Ray Limoges of Bow and their children, Katie (Limoges) Atoro of Dover, Zachary Limoges of Newport News, VA and Aaron Limoges of Concord. Although Rita did not have grandchildren, she was known as "Memere" by the Limoges family who proudly and lovingly describe her as THE BEST Memere ever! In 2013, with the arrival of Gideon Atoro, Rita was delighted to add the title "Grand Memere" to her legacy. How she loved "her babies" even when they grew up and towered over her small stature.
Rita will be remembered by her family and friends for her dedication as a mother and her strong will and determination when faced with difficult challenges in life.
There will be no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Monday, May 23, 2106 at St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia.
Burial will follow in the family lot at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield Street, Laconia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Laconia Senior Center - Meals on Wheels Program, 17 Church street, Laconia, NH 03246 or to the charity of one's choice.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.