Rita M. Lacourse, 86, of Manchester, died Sunday January 22, 2023 after a lengthy illness.
Born November 10, 1936 in Manchester, she was the daughter of Edward A. & Yvonne J. (Duchesne) Landry. Upon graduating from high school Rita entered the convent, and after a few months of the priests and fellow sisters telling her she was missing her “calling” she came home for a weekend. Exiting St. Augustine Church in a downpour she was greeted by an old classmate, Bob Lacourse, who offered her a ride home. Their story began that night and Rita did become a “Mother Superior” to her growing family. In 1956 she married her best friend Robert L. Lacourse, and they enjoyed over 54 years of marriage until his passing in 2010.
While raising their growing family Rita worked as an LNA in local hospitals in Lowell, Massachusetts until 1970 when they moved back to New Hampshire to be closer to family. It was in 1979 that Rita went back to school to pursue a nursing degree. In 1984 she graduated with her RN degree and went on to enjoy an extensive nursing career until 2000, when she retired from the Elliot Hospital to care for her husband Bob.
Rita had a big heart and was deeply committed to her faith. She was involved with different organizations, such as Parish Nursing, volunteering at the schools, a member of the New Hampshire Nursing Association, Ladies Guild at St. Elizabeth Seton, and too many to list.
Rita was a good listener and always loved to give advice (wanted or not), spending time with the grandchildren and later great-grandchildren. Rita was very family oriented, never missing a game, play or school event, even when she couldn’t drive any more she found a way to be there. Most recently, while being a resident at Salem Haven Rehabilitation Center and Nursing Home in Salem NH, she was involved in the daily happenings. Her faith showed in her assisting the Chaplain as a lector, being a voice for other residents at council meetings, and making sure she won at least one game of bingo, trivia and other games.
Rita is survived by her daughter Suzanne and her husband Fred Hebert, daughter Diana Lacourse, Daniel and his wife Emerita Lacourse, and Andre Lacourse, all of Manchester; her grandchildren Adam, Stephanie, Jennifer, Edward, Jessica, Robert, John, Alyssa, and Danielle; and her great-grandchildren Cara, Eva, Cayla, Hector, Karolynn, Lionel, and Lauren; her brother Ronald Landry; and many nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by both parents, her husband Robert, son Marc, and her sisters Lorraine (Heafield) & Claire (Morin).
SERVICES: A calling hour will be held at 9am on Friday January 27 at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 190 Meetinghouse Rd., Bedford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am at the church. Committal will follow at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend their sincerest thank you to the staff at Salem Haven for the care they gave to Rita.
Friday, January 27, 2023
9:00 - 10:00 am (Eastern time)
St. Elizabeth Seton Church
Friday, January 27, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
St. Elizabeth Seton Church
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