- January 31, 1921 - February 10, 2018
- Waltham, Massachusetts
of Rita's Passing
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Memories & Candles
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“Diane, Carol and Gail, our deepest and most sincere sympathies to you and your families. Aunt Rita will be missed by all of us, our mother, Blanche,...Read More »
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1 of 11 | Posted by: Dorine Breau - Family
“Diane, Gail and Carol. I just read about your mothers passing. I am so sorry tohear this. If you don't remember me I am your mothers second cousin...Read More »
”
2 of 11 | Posted by: Joan McCusker (Walsh) - Dartmouth, MA
“I will never forget my sleep overs as a young girl with Rita. She loved having me over after the girls went to college. It was a lot of fun. I was...Read More »
”
3 of 11 | Posted by: Jackie Melanson-Flanigan - NH
“Diane,Carol,and Gail, sorry to read about your mom. Having grown up on the " Island" playing at the park. Life was so relaxed there. I worked at...Read More »
”
4 of 11 | Posted by: George Proctor - Clinton, MA
“Dear Carol and family, Thinking of you at this time of great loss. Your mom had an amazing, full life according to the obituary posted here. Now I...Read More »
”
5 of 11 | Posted by: James Shuel - Rindge, NH - Friend
“Dear Diane, Gail and CarolYou are in our thoughts and prayers on the lost of your mother. We know you were all so fond of her. You've not only lost a...Read More »
”
6 of 11 | Posted by: Aline Arsenault - Family Friend
“Rita and I shared many cups of coffee together on Park St. in Waltham.Diane, Carol and Gail: Time alone will lessen your grief, and the many...Read More »
”
7 of 11 | Posted by: Joan Oberg - Ayer, MA - Friend
“FROM THE ALLAIN FAMILY, YOUR COUSINS , PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS!Guy & Cecile, Jeannette & Ronald, Pauline & Rick,...Read More »
”
8 of 11 | Posted by: Guy & Cecile Allain - Family
“I have so many memories of all the lovely stories Diane shared about her mom.My prayers and thoughts to her family.God Bless!Janice
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9 of 11 | Posted by: Janice Sloane - Mansfield, MA
“My wife Martha, very good friend of Rita's daughter Diane; introduced me to Rita over 40 years ago. What great memories I have of Rita. She could...Read More »
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10 of 11 | Posted by: Mark Mosman - Cambridge, MA
“My deepest sympathy
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11 of 11 | Posted by: Rosanna Rose LOZEAU - Cheyenne, WY
Waltham – Mrs. Rita M. (Richard) Arsenault, of Waltham, died Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Maristhill Nursing Home in Waltham. She was 97.
Rita was born in East Galloway, New Brunswick, on January 31, 1921, a daughter of the late Isadore and Catherine Richard. She came to the States when she was nineteen and became a lifelong Waltham resident. Until her retirement Rita had worked for the Parker Hannifin Company in Waltham and before that at Unitrode in Newton.
She will long be remembered for her devotion to her children and grandchildren. It's been said that God couldn't be everywhere . . . so that's why he created mothers . . . and that was true of Rita. For her girls, she was first their mother, and then their friend. She became a close confidante, trusted advisor and grandmother extraordinaire.
Rita was never afraid of hard work but enjoyed having fun too. She skated until 70, skied at 80 and drove her car til she was beyond 90. Strong, loving, independent and resourceful are words best used to describe her.
She was a terrific square dancer and enjoyed bowling and knitting. Her talents around the kitchen never went unnoticed either, especially her skill at baking. Her special Yum-Yums and soup were always met with a smile.
She leaves her children, Diane M. Boudrot (Park) of Waltham, Carol A. Valchuis (David) of Concord and Gail C. Nestor (James) of Acton; her grandchildren, Jeremy Boudrot (Lindsay), Casey Friend (Christopher), Mark Valchuis, Laurel Valchuis (Christopher Wilson), Steven Valchuis, Eric Valchuis, Jamie Nestor (John Finley) and Jaclyn Huchachar (Guru); her great-grandchildren; Paxton Friend and Forrest Finley, her sisters, Roselyn Weagle of Waltham and May Melanson of Lowell and many nieces and nephews.
Rita was the former wife of the late Yvon Arsenault and a sister of the late Jeanne Petrie, Lucy O'Brien, Edgar, Yvon and Joseph Richard.
Family and friends will honor and remember Rita's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, February 14th from 4 to 8 pm. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.
Calling Hours
February 14, 2018
4:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
Joyce Funeral Home
245 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 894-2895
Funeral Mass
February 15, 2018
10:00 AM
Saint Jude Church
147 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02453
Burial
Thursday February 15 2018
Mount Feake Cemetery
203 Prospect Street
Waltham, MA 02453
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Diane, Carol and Gail, our deepest and most sincere sympathies to you and your families. Aunt Rita will be missed by all of us, our mother, Blanche, Claudette, Pauline, Angie and myself. Our memories of her are special, and will be everlasting.
Posted by: Dorine Breau - Miramichi, NB, Canada - Family Mar 07, 2018
Diane, Gail and Carol. I just read about your mothers passing. I am so sorry to
hear this. If you don't remember me I am your mothers second cousin. Your aunt Lucy was my god mother. My thoughts and prayers go with you today.
Joan (McCusker) Walsh
Posted by: Joan McCusker (Walsh) - Dartmouth, MA - Family Feb 26, 2018
I will never forget my sleep overs as a young girl with Rita. She loved having me over after the girls went to college. It was a lot of fun. I was spoiled by her. She also made the most delicious penuchi fudge. Will never forget those and other many fond memories of her and family get togethers.. All my love and condolences to you all.
Posted by: Jackie Melanson-Flanigan - Amherst, NH - Family Feb 16, 2018
Diane,Carol,and Gail, sorry to read about your mom. Having grown up on the " Island" playing at the park. Life was so relaxed there. I worked at Nichols, your mom was quick wit and didn't take crap from anyone she gave it right back, like most of the women who worked there. Your mom was thoughtful and caring. May you all find comfort in the memories of your mom and pass them on to others,will fill all with joy. Islander Forever George Proctor
Posted by: George Proctor - Clinton, MA Feb 16, 2018
Dear Carol and family, Thinking of you at this time of great loss. Your mom had an amazing, full life according to the obituary posted here. Now I know where you got your "cookie & baking talents" from and also why you love sou so much! Kind regards, Chef Jim Shuel
Posted by: James Shuel - Rindge, NH - Friend Feb 14, 2018
Dear Diane, Gail and Carol
You are in our thoughts and prayers on the lost of your mother. We know you were all so fond of her. You've not only lost a mother but also a dear friend.
Aunt Généva, Aline and Ella
Posted by: Aline Arsenault - Moncton New Brunswick Canada - Family Friend Feb 14, 2018
Rita and I shared many cups of coffee together on Park St. in Waltham.
Diane, Carol and Gail: Time alone will lessen your grief, and the many beautiful memories you have of your Mom and the joy and happiness she provided in the lives of you and family members will sustain you.
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Joan and FamilyCZHNO
Posted by: Joan Oberg - Ayer, MA - Friend Feb 14, 2018
FROM THE ALLAIN FAMILY, YOUR COUSINS , PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS!
Guy & Cecile, Jeannette & Ronald, Pauline & Rick, Diana & Jacques, Raymond, along with our families.
It is sad that they only time we seem to talk is for a funeral event. It would be nice to all see each other at one time.
Posted by: Guy & Cecile Allain - Bouctouche South - Family Feb 13, 2018
I have so many memories of all the lovely stories Diane shared about her mom.
My prayers and thoughts to her family.
God Bless!
Janice
Posted by: Janice Sloane - Mansfield, MA - Family Friend Feb 13, 2018
My wife Martha, very good friend of Rita's daughter Diane; introduced me to Rita over 40 years ago. What great memories I have of Rita. She could appear to be gruff on the outside; but she truly had the biggest heart. I enjoyed seeing her after mass at St. Joseph's on Sundays; but not for very long because she always had someplace to be. My deepest condolences to Rita's family.
Mark Mosman
Posted by: Mark Mosman - Cambridge, MA - Family Friend Feb 12, 2018