Laconia--- Rita M. Freeman, 92, of Laconia, died peacefully at her home on Monday, March 31, 2014. She was born in Laconia, NH on March 16, 1922, the daughter of John and Kathryn (McCrea) Lund. She was a graduate of Laconia High School, Class of 1940, and a lifelong resident of Laconia. Rita was employed in the early years at Byse Agency, and later Belknap Agency, where she worked for many years, both located in Laconia. Rita later was employed by The State of New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services as a Case Manager and retired in 1992, at age 70, after 23 years of service.
Rita was a thoughtful caring person who loved God, country, family, and friends. She demonstrated that love everyday through her actions and boundless generosity. She just knew what to do to help you feel better. With her quick wit and great sense of humor, Rita had her own special way of telling it like it was. She loved doing whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, and thanked God for her good health. When asked about her health, she would say she didn’t have time to be sick. Rita’s drinks of choice were ginger ale, and Moxie, thought buying bottled water was stupid, and had no problem telling you about this along with many of her other personal peeves. She was a Secret Santa to so many all year long for no particular reason, other than she knew it was the right thing for her to do and loved doing it. Everyone who has been touched by Rita, already knows what a great feeling it is. She found great enjoyment in feeding the many animals that would come over to her house, be it birds, squirrels, cats or whatever, there was always enough food for all, all year long. She loved Nelson Eddie, his music and his movies. And who doesn’t like the Mills Brothers. Nat King Cole and some Tony Bennett tunes. Rita, loved watching the Red Sox, particularly Big Pappy, Golf, with Tiger Woods, Jeopardy, and any and all Perry Mason reruns. For relaxation and fun, playing Bingo with her usual 36 cards, and don’t forget those scratch tickets. Starting and ending the days, she would read her favorite Harlequin Romance paperbacks. She would often say if she had a slow caller at bingo she would read between the calls. We love you Rita and know you are with God and family and feel very blessed to have had you on this earth and will remember all the love, kindness and generosity you gave to us until we see you again.
She is survived by her Son, Kenneth V. Freeman of Sanbornton, two daughters; Pamela Snyder of Summerville, S.C. and Kathryn Garnache of Biddeford, ME., and five grandchildren; Gary Snyder, Donald Newton, Tammy Desrosiers, Christina Roberts and Emily McWhinnie. Rita was predeceased by her husband Lloyd E. Freeman and daughter Wendy (Freeman) Sweeney, and two brothers Kenneth Lund and Ralph Lund.
With respect to Rita’s wishes, there will be a private graveside service later this spring. Donations in Rita’s memory may be made to the New Hampshire Humane Society, PO Box 572 Laconia, NH 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.