LACONIA-----Rita Manz Crossley, 80, of Bell Hill Drive, passed away at home on September 13, 2019, with her sister, Uschi, at her side talking and singing softly.
Rita was born on September 11, 1938, in Rettkewitz Germany, and came to the United States in 1961. She married Robert Crossley, a widower with 5 children and, in time, the family grew to seven kids.
Rita worked at the North Attleboro Jr. High School Cafeteria where she made lifelong friends. In 1982, Bob & Rita moved to Gilford, NH and joined the Gilford Community Church. Rita continued to grow friendships working at the Laconia Hardware Store and Walmart of Tilton. She was an avid gardener, loved to read, and had begun knitting a sweater for the newest of 7 great-grandchildren.
Rita was predeceased by her parents, Eva (Jannusch) & Erich Manz; her loving husband of 43 years, Robert; a brother, Ulrich; and a sister Annamarie. She is survived by her children; Robert S. Crossley Jr. who lost his wife Joan seven years ago, his son Richard and daughter Helen Dicometis with her husband Gregory and baby Zack. Susan G. Tarring, her husband Alan and their two children, Mathew with wife Nicole & three children and Cristina Goupil with husband Norman & 3 children; David and his sons Stephen & Andrew; Barbara Ann of Cocoa Beach FL with her partner Eli Hopkins & his daughter Amber with her husband Sean & three children; Jean Gilbride and husband Dennis with their two boys Patrick & Kevin; Erich Crossley and partner Kelly McGirr; and Thomas Crossley. Rita’s large family also includes many nieces, nephews and cousins in Germany and the United States.
A Graveside Service will be held at Slatersville Historic Cemetery in North Smithfield, RI at a later date.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.