Rita F. Woods

Rita F. (Champagne) Woods, 72, of Manchester died July 31, 2004 at Villa Crest Retirement Community after a brief illness.

Born in Manchester on January 31, 1932, she was the daughter of William and Corinne (Royer) Champagne. She grew up in Auburn and lived there for many years. She then lived in Manchester for many years.

She graduated from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1970. She worked as a licensed practical nurse for 25 years, including private duty specializing with Alzheimer's patients.

Mrs. Woods enjoyed sewing and knitting exquisite infant layettes and doll clothes. She also loved and provided cared for many babies. She was an accomplished poet and was a member of the Poetry Society of New Hampshire.

She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and was a member of the St. Catherine Church choir. She also was a Candy Stripe instructor at Northwood Nursing Home and was a member of The Single Life.

The family includes two daughters, Christine Bogalis and Carole Valavane both of Manchester; a sister, Frances Mohn of Auburn; a brother, William Champagne of Nashua; nieces and nephews

IN HER LIFE: She is also survived by five grandchildren, Emily Bogalis of Candia, Stephanie Ciccone of Bedford and Steven Brown, Sharon Brown and Sara Brisson all of Manchester; two great granddaughters, Kyra Brisson and Olivia Brown both of Manchester. She was predeceased by a brother Jean Champagne and a longtime companion Frank Nelson whom she called her angel, and spoke of him as a good and gentle man. She also leaves longtime friends Pearl Noel, Josephine Snow and her loving caregivers Sylvia Szafarska and Diana Durocher.

Mother was a courageous woman who overcame much sadness in her life. Her family was everything to her. Upon leaving this earth, she flies home to be with her mother and two infant sisters, Therese and Connie. Have a safe journey, Mama.

A mass of Christian burial was celebrated Tuesday August 3, 2004 in St. Catherine Church, corner of Webster and Hemlock streets, Manchester. Commital prayer followed in Mt. Calvary Mausoleum, 474 Goffstown Rd., Manchester.