Rita Josephine (Hanlon) Griffin, 96, of Londonderry, NH, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday May 24th, 2025 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. She was born on May 30th, 1929 in the Neponset area of Dorchester MA. She was the daughter of the late James and Catherine (McGuinness) Hanlon.
Rita attended Nursing School at St Elizabeth's in Brighton, MA. She worked as a nurse at Memorial Hospital in Nashua NH for 33 years and later as a long-term volunteer. She loved being a nurse and over the years cared for so many family, friends and neighbors. She was happiest serving as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family.
Rita was a longtime communicant at St Mark's Parish in Londonderry NH where she also volunteered her time. She also volunteered for the NH Cancer Society. Rita will be remembered for her baking, especially her famous Pumpkin Bread and for so many years of hosting Irish Tea Parties. She was passionate about her Irish heritage.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, Frank J Griffin, 3 brothers and 4 sisters. She is survived by her four sons, Frank Griffin and his wife (the late MariEllen), Michael Griffin, John Griffin and his wife Maureen, and Thomas Griffin and his wife Patricia all of Londonderry, NH. Nine grandchildren, Erin Aquilino and her husband Dave, Kelley Lewis and her husband Chris, Ryan Griffin and his fiance Shirley Maczko, Patrick Griffin and his wife Colby, Kelsey Griffin and her fiance Mark Columbus, Sean Griffin, Bethany Griffin, Shayla Griffin, and Kevin Griffin and his partner Emily Boudreau. Five great grandchildren, Olivia, Matthew, Lucas, Gwendoline, and Oaklyn. Numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday May 29, 2025 from 5-8 at the Peabody Funeral Homes, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday May 30, 2025 at 10:30am at St Mark's Catholic Church, 1 South Road, Londonderry, NH. The burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on Gilcrest Road, Londonderry, NH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD).