Rita Gauthier

Rita C. Gauthier, 84, of Boscawen, formerly of Manchester, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016 at the Merrimack County Nursing Home, following a short period of decline.

Born in Manchester, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Yvonne (Breton) Clement. Raised and educated in Manchester, Rita met and married the love of her life, the late Roger Gauthier, in 1950 and began a beautiful family. Rita had been employed by the New England Telephone Company for over 30 years as a telephone operator. Following retirement, Rita volunteered at Catholic Medical Center for nearly 10 years.

A dedicated wife and mother, Rita's family was paramount in her life. She loved cooking and baking for her family and friends. Best known for her cookies, brownies and cakes, Rita especially cherished Thanksgiving meals surrounded by her entire family. In her spare time, Rita enjoyed reading, knitting sweaters, and playing cards with friends. A world traveler, she adventured with her husband and dear friend, Pat, to China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, throughout Europe, and beyond. Rita will be best remembered for her generous heart and love of family.

Rita is survived by her son, William "Bill" Gauthier of Goffstown; her two daughters, Denise Pineault & husband Dennis of Auburn, and Anne Simard & husband Paul of Concord; five grandchildren, Gregg Simard, Nicole Simard, Jennifer Hubbard, Rebecca Pryce, and Billy Gauthier; four great grandchildren, Emily & Katie Pryce, and Ethan & Erik Hubbard; and extended family and friends. In addition to her husband, Roger, Rita was predeceased by her sister, Carol VanUden.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her Visitation will be held in the Phaneuf Funeral Home, 250 Coolidge Ave., Manchester, on Thursday, February 18, from 4:00 to 7:00P.M. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Parish, 247 S. Main St., Manchester, on Friday, February 19 at 10:00A.M. followed by committal in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 474 Goffstown Rd., Manchester. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Rita's memory to the American Heart Association, 2 Wall St., Suite 104, Manchester, NH 03101.