Rita J. Marceau

LUNENBURG- Rita J Marceau (McDermott) of Lunenburg passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in her own home on December 30th. She was born March 3, 1936 at home in Fitchburg, daughter of the late Austin and Yvonne (Nantelle) McDermott. She graduated in 1954 from St. Bernard’s High in Fitchburg. Rita married the love of her life Richard (Dick) Marceau on April 23, 1955 in Leominster and together with their children shared a wonderful life. Rita was such a kind and gentle soul. She enjoyed hosting and cooking for parties and cookouts, as well as sewing. She was very soft-spoken and had a small circle of close friends whom she cherished. You could also find her taking the bus to Foxwoods where she loved to gamble on the penny machines. She loved her family immensely and doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rita worked as a secretary for the army at Ft. Devens until she decided to stay home to raise and nurture her children. When their children were grown she started a successful career in real estate and worked for several local realtors. She was a long time member of St. Boniface Parish. Rita and Dick loved to travel, especially to her “Happy Place“ in Siesta Key, Florida where they spent winters in their retirement. Her solace was marathon long walks along the beach with her friends and her sister Maureen. She is survived by her husband of 66 years,Richard (Dick) Marceau, daughter Karen Peters and husband George of Westminster, son Steven and wife Marie of Fitchburg, four grandchildren Kori Towle and her fiancé Alberto Ortiz of Fitchburg, Carissa Dunlop and husband Max of Peabody, Kristofer Towle of Ashburnham and Abbey Marceau of Ayer, five great-grandchildren, Xayan, Nickolus, Kayden, Eliaz and Mia, sisters, Judy Bergeron, and Katie Boudreau, brothers Austin (Mickey) and Tom McDermott, and her sister-in-law Joyce Marceau. She also leaves several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sons Richard (Ricky) and Robert, sister Maureen Shields, and brother Gerald McDermott. The family is extremely grateful for the comfort and kindness provided by her hospice nurse Jackie LeBlanc and everyone else involved in her care. Rita’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 6,2022 at 11AM in St. Boniface Church, 817 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg, with the Covid-19 safety protocols practiced. There are no calling hours. The Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Rd., Ayer is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements. For further information or to leave an online condolence please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to HealthAlliance Home Health & Hospice, 60 Hospital Rd., Leominster, MA 01453 or to St Boniface Parish, 817 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg, MA 01462.

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Rita J. Marceau

March 3, 1936 - December 30, 2021