Rita T. Bernard, 93, of South Merrimack, NH, widow of Emile J. Bernard, passed away Sunday evening, November 19, 2017 at the Community Hospice House, after a period of declining health.
Mrs. Bernard was born in Nashua on November 6, 1924, a daughter of the late Arthur and Herminia (Roy) Larocque. She was educated in the Nashua School System. Rita and Emile were married at the former St. Francis Xavier Church on June 22, 1946 and made their home in Nashua for several years before moving to Merrimack in the early 1960s.
Rita had been employed with Kollsman Instruments in Nashua and Merrimack for many years until her retirement.
A member of the Merrimack Senior Center for many years, Rita was a communicant of St. John Neumann Church, where she was active with the food pantry. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed knitting.
In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Emile, who passed away on February 6, 2003; her brothers, Gerald, Frederick and Ernest Larocque and George Marquis; and her sister, Adrienne (Marquis) Boilard.
Members of her family include her son and daughter-in-law, Stuart A. and Marie Bernard of Weare; three grandchildren, Ryan C. Bernard of Weare and his son, Alex Bernard of North Walpole, Kristi L. Bryson and her husband David, and their children Kara, Noah and Ian Bryson all of New Boston, and Jason S. Bernard and his wife of Jennie, and their children, Reese, Amelia and Jillian all of North Carolina; a brother, Philip Stone of Milford; also several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Friday, November 24th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road, Route 101A in Merrimack, Saturday at 12 noon. Family and friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. Interment will take place at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Nashua on Monday. The family has requested that donations may be made in her memory to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
