Carita Louise (Ferdinando) Eugene, 72, of Manchester, died January 15, 2013 at St. Teresa Manor after a period of declining health. Born in Manchester on October 22, 1940, Carita was the daughter of Vincent and Germaine (Normand) Ferdinando. She was a graduate of St. George’s High School for Girls and a lifelong resident of this city.
Carita spent her life dedicated to serving others as both a caregiver and advocate. Early in her career Carita supported working parents by operating a family daycare center in her home. She officially entered the field of human services in 1987 when she began working for Easter Seals of New Hampshire. At Easter Seals Carita served as a job placement specialist. In this position she worked with local businesses to find employment for individuals with disabilities. Her specialty was in matching individuals with jobs where they could succeed. She also helped individuals in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program find job training and employment opportunities. After 10 years Carita retired from Easter Seals. Once retired Carita served as a volunteer for Manchester VNA Home Health and Hospice where she provided support to individuals and their families during the end stages of life.
Carita was a compassionate and spiritual person who lived a simple and joyous life. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, playing bridge, going to the beach and traveling. She saw beauty in everyone she met and the places she visited. She also enjoyed meeting new people and studying the Bible.
Carita is predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Harvey Eugene who died in 2002 and by an infant son, Nathan Eugene as well as her brothers, Paul Ferdinando and Normand Ferdinando. Carita is survived by her two loving children as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Her children are son Vincent Eugene and his family Kim and Justin Bonenfant of Bedford and daughter, Stephanie (Eugene) Pagliuca and her husband James of Manchester. She is also survived by two brothers, Richard Ferdinando and wife Barbara of Manchester, Leonce Ferdinando and wife Patricia of Florida.
The funeral was held on Monday, January 21, 2013 at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. Burial was in Mount Calvary Cemetery where committal prayers took place in the mausoleum chapel.
Memorial donations may be made to the Precious Blood Monastery, 700 Bridge St., Manchester, 03104