Rita I. Beland

Rita I. Beland, 77, of Manchester, May 1, 2008 at Villa Crest Healthcare Center after a long illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Manchester on January 10, 1931 and was the daughter of Lucien and Irene (Guay) Bergeron. She was a lifelong resident of Manchester and attended local schools. She was employed by MKM Hosiery Mill for several years and then became a homemaker, and a loving wife, mother and Memere whose family was the center of her life. She had been a lifelong communicant of the former St. Jean the Baptist Parish.

She lost the love of her life, her husband of 55 years, Paul R. Beland, six days prior to her death. She is survived by three daughters and sons in law: Elaine and Paul Lemieux, Jo-an and Michael Provencher, and Charlene and Kenneth Desrochers. She has seven grandchildren: Dr. Audrey Herod, Matthew Lemieux, Katie Lemieux, Jeremy Provencher, Kelsey Desrochers, Nathan Provencher, Kyle Desrochers, and also one great grand-daughter Anna Herod. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Roland Bergeron.

Rita was a shy, but warmhearted beautiful woman. She will be greatly missed in the hearts of those who loved and respected her. She will always be remembered for her profound devotion to her family who will treasure all the wonderful traditions she inspired.

A Mass of Christian Burial for both Mr. and Mrs Beland took place Saturday May 3, 2008 in St. Anthony Church, Belmont St. Manchester.

Burial followed in Mt Calvary Cemetery, Goffstown Rd. Manchester. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center, 1276 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH.