Elizabeth Anne “Liz” (Rogers) Richer
Elizabeth Anne “Liz” (Rogers) Richer, 72, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire, after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma and multiple strokes. Born on October 20, 1953, in Northampton, Massachusetts, Liz was the beloved daughter of the late F. Edward Rogers and Diane (Allen) Rogers.
Liz was a graduate of Belchertown High School and continued her education at Mount Ida Junior College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
She was the devoted wife of Michael Richer, whom she married in 1976. Together, they built a loving life and were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on August 14.
Liz dedicated much of her life to working with children. She served as the Preschool Director and lead teacher at the former YWCA of Nashua, where she was affectionately known as “Miss Liz” by countless children and parents whose lives she touched. She later became co-owner of Adventures in ABC’s & 123’s Preschool. In 2024, Liz retired from the Nashua School District after 22 years as a paraeducator at Ledge Street School, where she continued to make a lasting impact on her students and colleagues.
Outside of her work, Liz found joy in creating a warm and welcoming home. She loved decorating her house inside and out for every holiday, bringing friends and family together to celebrate. She was also an avid gardener who took great pride in her outdoor spaces. Her greatest joys in life were her children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, all of whom she loved deeply.
Liz will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to children, family, and community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she nurtured and the love she shared so freely.
In addition to her husband Michael, Liz is survived by her loving children; Ryan Richer and his wife Julie of Ayer, Massachusetts; Stephanie Richer and her husband Nicholas Surdam of Nashua, New Hampshire; and Leslie Camar and her husband Jonathan of Merrimack, New Hampshire; her grandchildren Camila Richer, Aiden Richer, Jackson Surdam, and Olivia Surdam; her siblings Kathy and Bruce Smith, David and Jan Rogers, Joseph and Georgette Rogers, Steven and Lisa Rogers, and Scott and Patti Smith; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Cherif Abdelmalek, Bryn Farrington, and the nurses and staff at Foundation Hematology and Oncology for their compassionate care and for helping us understand and navigate this disease. We are also deeply grateful to Drs. El-Jawahri, Yee, and Frigault, along with their team of doctors, the
nursing staff, and PCAs at Massachusetts General Hospital, Lunder 9, for the exceptional treatment and care Liz received.
Family and friends are invited to Liz’s visitation on SATURDAY April 18th from 10 AM until 12 PM at ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua. Words of remembrance will be shared starting at 12pm in the funeral home. Interment will follow at St. Louis Cemetery, Nashua. To leave an online condolence for Liz please visit WWW.ANCTIL-ROCHETTE.COM
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Liz, whose strength and courage have left a lasting legacy, donations may be made to Caring for a Cure at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute. This nurse-founded initiative provides meaningful support to patients and families throughout their cancer journey. Gifts may be made online at https://because.massgeneral.org/campaign/caring-for-a-cure/c112468 or by mail to:
Mass General Hospital Development Office, Attn: Caring For A Cure, 125 Nashua Street, Boston MA 02114. Please write “In honor of Liz, Caring for a Cure” in the memo line. Your gift will carry forward Liz’s spirit and her deep commitment to helping others.
Or by donating to Southern New Hampshire Legacy Trust in memory of Liz by visiting https://give.legacytrustnh.org/give/441971/#!/donation/checkout Or by donating to the Community Hospice House by visiting https://hhhc.org/make-a-gift/donation/ or by mailing to 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.