E. Rita (Seaman) Shea, 96, of Nashua, widow of James D. Shea, passed away Thursday morning, February 22, 2018 at her home at Nashua Crossing, after a period of declining health.
Mrs. Shea was born in Nashua on December 17, 1921, a daughter of the late Ambrose and Blanche (Bonenfant) Seaman. Rita attended local schools and graduated from Nashua High School, Class of 1939. Shortly after her graduation, she worked as a civil service employee in Washington, DC during World War II from 1940 to 1945.
After returning to Nashua, Rita worked in the credit office of Nashua Corporation for a time. After raising her three children, Rita returned to the work force beginning as a Teller at the former Indian Head National Bank; then as a bookkeeper for the Malone Oil Company and later at Collins Flowers, Inc.
She was a communicant of St. Patrick Church in Nashua and was a longtime member of the Ladies Guild of St. John the Evangelist Church in Hudson. She was active with the Hudson Seniors and loved attending concerts by the Nashua Symphony. Rita especially loved spending time with her family and friends; trips to Rye Beach, NH and Disney World in Florida.
Rita and her husband “Jim” were married on October 4, 1952 and made their home on Baker Street in Hudson for a number of years. They shared 42 wonderful years together until his passing on January 16, 1995.
Members of her family include her children and their spouses, Kevin J. and Sandra Shea of Boxborough, MA, Terence M. and Diane Shea of Nashua and Kathleen A. and Albert Ahlman of Englewood, FL; two grandchildren, Amanda R. Ahlman and Benjamin J. Shea; brother-in-law, Paul Richard of Nashua; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husband and parents, Rita was predeceased by a brother, William Seaman; and her sisters, Mildred Manoleros and Agnes Richard.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, February 27th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson. Friends are invited to attend. Donations may be sent in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
