Rita Goodwin

Rita Goodwin, 91, of Amherst, NH and formerly of Nashua for many years, passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 10, 2026, with her loving family by her side after a period of declining health. She is the wife of Michael R. Goodwin. Born in Manhattan, New York City on May 6, 1934, she was a daughter of the late Archibald and Kazimiera (Cassie Dombrosky) Raissis. Rita grew up in Manhattan and was educated in New York schools. Rita graduated from high school with the Class of 1952.

Rita moved to Nashua in the early 1950s with her first husband, Malcolm Small. A homemaker to her family, she also worked for many years at New England Interviewing and Nashua Corporation, where she met her current husband of 57 years Michael R Goodwin.

Rita was someone who truly knew how to enjoy life and the people around her. She loved the excitement of trips to Las Vegas and Foxwoods, where she could try her luck and take in the bright lights and lively atmosphere. But more than anything, she cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren, creating memories that will stay in our hearts forever. She had a special love for shows and plays, always finding joy in the magic of a good performance.

At home, she adored her animals and cared for them with so much love. She also had her favorite TV programs, especially her beloved General Hospital, and you could always count on her to be disappointed if her soap opera got pre-empted! She enjoyed good food, laughter, and the simple pleasures that made life meaningful. Rita’s warmth, spirit, and love for family will always be remembered and deeply missed.

Members of her family include her husband, Michael; her five children and their spouses, Linda and Steven Munn of Longview, TX, Suzan Small and Al Halle of Manchester, NH, Craig and Sherry Small of Plaistow, NH, Michael P. Goodwin of Nashua and Jennifer and Jim Fichera of Amherst, NH; six grandchildren, Jessica Sist and her husband Dan, Alexis Small, Austin Small, Athena Kochilaris, Kazimiera Fichera and Autumn Fichera; two great-grandchildren, Gracie Sist and Nicholas Sist; other family members include: Cassie(predeceased), Jimmy, Michael, Scotty, Ashleigh, Calli, and their children and grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by a sister, Helen Kostes and a brother, Michael Raissis. Her family will receive relatives and friends at the FARWELL FUNERALHOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Tuesday, March 17th from 10 to 11:30 a.m. followed by her funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Rita will be laid to rest in the mausoleum of Woodlawn Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com