Rita J. Croteau

Rita Croteau, 88 of Manchester, died peacefully at her home on September 22, 2021, surrounded by family.

Rita was born in Manchester, NH on June 24, 1933, the eldest daughter of the late Fernando and Felixine (Auger) Croteau.

Rita attended elementary and high school in Manchester and went on to earn her teaching degree in Rhode Island. Rita served 16 years with the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary teaching elementary school in Woonsocket, RI. She then returned to Manchester where she taught the fifth grade at Parker-Varney School for 21 years until her retirement in 1993.
Following retirement, she did volunteer work for the CareGivers’ Caring Rides program for 22 years, at a local food pantry, as well as at the parish rectory for 28 years where she was a member of the Parish of the Transfiguration.

Rita was an avid reader and enjoyed making puzzles, crocheting, playing cards and games with family, walking daily and working out at the gym several times a week. She will be remembered as a caring and generous woman who always thought of others before herself, and her dedication and determination were inspiring to all who knew her.

Family members include her siblings, Pauline (Croteau) Fauteux and husband Jean-Guy, Lucille (Croteau) Schaechter, Roger Croteau and wife Jeanie, Doris (Croteau) Morin and husband Paul, and George Croteau and wife Elaine. She had many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by siblings, Rev. Fernand Croteau, Bertrand Croteau, Ronald Croteau, and Jeannine (Croteau) Labore.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 5-7pm at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Avenue in Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 10am in the Parish of the Transfiguration, 107 Alsace Street, Manchester. Committal Prayers to follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rita’s memory to the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, 495 Mammoth Road, Manchester, NH 03104, the Parish of the Transfiguration, or Catholic Charities, 235 Franklin Street, Manchester, NH 03101.