Eleanor L. Ricard, 81, of Bedford and formerly of Litchfield, widow of John E. Ricard, passed away Thursday morning, September 3, 2020 at The Arbors of Bedford, after a period of declining health.
Mrs. Ricard was born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 14, 1939, a daughter of the late Jesse R. and Lillian E. (Wilkinson) Meadows. Eleanor grew up in Lexington, MA and was a graduate of Lexington High School Class of 1957. After raising her family, she continued her education at Hesser College, earning an Associate’s degree in child care. Eleanor worked in day care in Nashua, the Country Bear in Hudson and later at Campbell High School in Litchfield.
Eleanor will be lovingly remembered for her vivacious and outgoing personality and her love of life.
On November 16, 1963, Eleanor married John Ricard of Nashua, an Air Force Technical Sergeant stationed in Texas. Following her husband’s retirement from the Air Force in 1972, the couple moved to Litchfield, NH where they made their home for many years. The Ricard’s shared 40 years together until John’s passing on July 17, 2004.
Members of her family include her children, Rebecca Barton and her husband Andrew of Nashua, Alison Ricard-Kinville and her husband Adam of Washington, NH and John A. Ricard and his significant other, Kirsten of Berwick, ME; a granddaughter, Kaya Rose Ricard; a sister, Marilyn Peterson of Burlington, MA; a brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Joyce Meadows of Westford, MA; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. One of nine children, Eleanor was predeceased by a sister, Joanne Dailey; and five brothers, Jesse Jr., Gerald, George, Paul and Kenny Meadows.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, September 8th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Graveside service will take place at Pinecrest Cemetery, Pinecrest Road in Litchfield, Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock. Family and friends are invited to attend. Donations may be sent in her memory to Brookhaven Hospice, 2 Bedford Farms Drive, Bedford, NH 03110 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 166 South River Road, Bedford, NH 03110.
Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
