Rita M. (Bilodeau) Brouse, 94, died peacefully on Sunday, October 25th, at her home, surrounded by loving family members and friends.
Born and educated in Haverhill, MA, she resided in Methuen before moving to Salem 51 years ago.
She was employed as a waitress and cook at the Wirtshaus Restaurant in Methuen for more than 50 years, and later as a hostess at Crystal Springs Golf Course in Haverhill, retiring in her eighties.
Rita’s home on Pleasant Street was one filled always with love, laughter, and music. She enjoyed cooking, reading, writing poetry, the ocean, and a good party. She cherished her family, and she will always be remembered for her love of life, her kindness and abiding generosity, and her indomitable spirit.
The widow of John Brouse, she was also predeceased by two children, a son, Carl, and a daughter, Linda.
She is survived by daughters Charlene Passmore of Millersville, MD, and Marilyn Kopriva of Londonderry, NH, and sons Jack Brouse & his wife Carol, of Salem, NH, and Lawson Brouse, who resided with her and was her caregiver.
Beyond her immediate surviving family members, Rita M. Brouse will live on in a loving legacy of eighteen grandchildren, including Mark Dufresne of Salem, whom she raised, thirty-two great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main Street from 4-7 PM on Thursday, October 29. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church at 10 AM on Friday, October 30, followed by burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, Salem.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association Processing Center, PO BOX 8462, Chicago, IL 60680