Meredith-Rita Bernadette Roukema, 82, of Black Brook Road died on Monday morning, January 22, 2007 at Lakes Region General Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Rita was born on May 21, 1924 in Laconia, the daughter of the late Emile and Yvonne (Bolduc) Fortin. She was raised and schooled in Laconia, and also attended the University of New Hampshire.
Prior to her retirement in 1979, Rita was a EKG Technician at Lakes Region General Hospital for many years, in which ten of those years were dedicated to running the department. She was also an integral participant in establishing the EKG Department in the 1960s.
After her retirement in 1979 she moved to Punta Gorda, Florida until 1999, in which she moved back to New Hampshire making her home with her daughter and family. In her earlier years Rita worked at the former Lund Ski factory, and while working there she was also the Secretary for the local Steel Worker’s Union. She also had her own Beauty Salon at her home.
She was a former communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Laconia, and a former member of the Italian American Club in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Rita was predeceased by her husband Edward Roukema 1992.
Rita is survived by her daughter with whom she made her home, Linda Polosky and her husband Jon of Meredith; one step-son, Edward Roukema, Jr. of Pensacola, FL; two step-daughters, Frances Trottier and Katherine Swan both of Worcester, MA; three brothers, Roger and Maurice Fortin of Belmont, and Renaud Fortin of Ceres, CA; two sisters, Theresa Drouin of Peterborough, NH, and Arlene Saywood of Tilton. 13 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren also survive Rita.
Rita was deeply loved and will be missed by all her family and friends. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Lawrence Rush for his care and compassion throughout her illness.
A celebration of Rita’s life was held at her home, 119 Black Brook Road, Meredith on Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will take place at a later date at the family lot in Pine Grove Cemetery, Whitinsville, MA.
For those who wish, the family suggests expressions of sympathy in Rita’s name may be made to Lakes Region General Hospital, Philanthropy Department, 80 Highland Street, Laconia, NH 03246 for the benefit of the EKG Department.