THOMPSON – Rita A. (Dumond) Gatzke, 66, of 320 Reardon Road, N. Grosvenordale, died unexpectedly Friday, January 4, in Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam, after being stricken at home.
She leaves 2 sons, Paul E. Gatzke of North Grosvenordale and James A. Gatzke, Sr., and his wife Debbie of Dudley, MA; a daughter, Nicole M. Lafleur and her husband Phillip of Dayville; her companion of over 20 years, Ronald E. Benoit; 4 grandchildren, James Gatzke, Jr., Jessica Gatzke, Nathan and Megan Lafleur; a sister, Merilyn Grzyb and her husband John of Webster, MA; her former husband, Malcon P. Gatzke of Dudley, MA; many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was born in Woonsocket, RI, and raised in Webster, MA, the daughter of Albert and Eva (Collin) Dumond. She lived in Dudley before moving to Thompson in 1992. She graduated from Bartlett High School in Webster in 1958.
She worked at the Davis Café and at the snack bar at Nichols College in Dudley for over 20 years. She enjoyed raising flowers, bird watching, fresh water and ice fishing, the outdoors, classic car cruise nights and shows, traveling, especially to Foxwoods, and attending yard sales and flea markets all over New England.
The funeral will be held Tuesday, January 8, from Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main St., Webster, MA, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 East Main St.,Webster. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are from 5:00 to 9:00 PM Monday, January 7, in the funeral home. Donations in her name may be made to St. Anne’s Elementary School Tuition Aid Program, 12 Day St., PO Box 818, Webster, MA 01570-0818.