Rita (Wollen) Pare
Rita (Wollen) Pare, 94, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 9th at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center.
Born and raised in Nashua, Rita moved with her family to a small farm on Pine Hill Road when she was twelve years-old. It was there that she learned the value of family teamwork.
Rita attended local schools and sometimes joked that she was a graduate of Whipple’s Academy and Hard Knocks College. She worked in local industries including the Nashua Mills and the Hathaway Bakery. Intelligent and inquisitive, she was fluent in both French and English.
She met her future husband Maurice Pare while she was seated in her parents’ Packard on the Main Street Bridge, and Maurice (accompanied by his friend Leo Morin) walked up to her and asked her if she knew what the ball scores were.
After marrying Maurice in 1950, Rita subsequently raised four children and was looked upon by at least one neighborhood child as a second mother. Skilled as a seamstress, she was able to make some of her young children’s clothing. Equally talented as a cook, there were seldom any leftovers at her dinner table. She was perhaps most skilled as a baker, and her creations were devoured at family gatherings.
Generosity with food was Rita’s gift to those around her. Whether it was her children, their friends, or their teammates, no-one went hungry at Rita’s.
Rita was predeceased by her parents John and Evelyn (Sareault) Wollen, her husband Maurice, her sisters Beatrice Bois and Theresa Wilkins, and her brother John Wollen.
She is survived by her son Maurice Jr., her daughter Rita and husband Robert Dana, her daughter Marie and husband Michael Cashin, and her son Joseph and wife Louise Pare. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Justin Dana, Colton Dana, Beau Dana, Andrea Cashin, Jennifer Cashin, Brandon Pare, Tyler Pare, Lauren Pare, and one great-granddaughter Hensley Pare.Additionally Rita is survived by two step-grandsons: Brandon Kloppenburg and Adam Kloppenburg.
Rita’s family would like to express their thanks to the people at 360 SHS (Complete Senior Home Services, formerly Seniors Helping Seniors) for making it possible for Rita to remain at home as she wished until her final days.
On Friday, January 15th, there will be a private viewing for immediate family members at Dumont Sullivan Funeral Home in Hudson, followed by an 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 777 West Hollis St. in Nashua, followed by interment at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Nashua. All may meet at church. All those attending the services are asked to please wear a face mask or facial covering and to follow the social distancing guidelines in place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita’s memory to 360 SHS, 360 Route 101, Suite 3 B, Bedford, NH 03110. To share an online message of condolence, pleas visit www.dumontsullivan.com THE DUMONT-SULLIVAN FUNERAL HOME IN HUDSON IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.