GILFORD — Rita B. Breton, formally of Liberty Hill Rd, Gilford, passed away at Belknap County Nursing Home on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2019, surrounded by her family.
Rita was born in Laconia, NH, the daughter of George and Antoinette (Lagueux) Côté on October 4, 1925. She attended École Saint Joseph and Laconia High School, and she worked at Laconia Needle Company and Laconia Box Shop.
In her youth she developed a passion for music and dancing, which continued throughout her life. Over the years she took lessons from Earl and McMann Dance Studio, Evelyn Contigiani, George Cantin, and her last 25 years with Joan Frates. Rita performed in recitals and was, at times, accompanied by her daughters. She continued to dance until the age of 79.
Rita married Roland Breton in 1946. Together they started a family, with Rita as the homemaker. With ten children and many guests, the Breton house was always a hub of activity. Rita’s love of music was passed onto her to her children who performed at family gatherings. Rita’s homemade baked beans were a staple of these family dinners, which would quickly evolve into evenings filled with music, laughter, and good times. Rita’s passion for dancing wove its way into these evenings with the request of "Golden Slippers" or a jig to tap dance to.
In addition to her passion for dancing, Rita was also an avid cribbage player, and loved the color red. In honor of her, the family will be wearing a red item at her services.
Rita was predeceased by her husband, Roland Breton in 2002 and her brother Armand Côté in 2015. She is survived by her ten children: Roger Breton and his wife, Barbara, Rachel Nadeau and her husband André, Diane Moreau and her late husband, John, Philip Breton, Normand Breton and his wife Janet, Denise Tougas and her husband Roger, Ronald Breton and his wife Janine, Paul Breton and his wife Valerie, Raymond Breton and his wife Darlene, and Jeanne Breton. Rita is also survived by her grandchildren: Michelle Fridlington, Wendy L'Heureux, MaryLou Leach, Ted Baldwin, Nicholas Nadeau, James Moreau, Dr. Andrea Moreau-O'Donnell, Michael Moreau, Ross and Taryn Breton, Cody, Jake, and Evan Tougas, Rachel, Audrey, Austin and Abbey Ritter, and Elizabeth Smith. Rita also leaves behind many great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff and aides at Belknap County Nursing Home for the wonderful care they gave Rita in her final year. She loved you all.
Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2019, from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH, using the Carriage House entrance.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 6, 2019, at 10:00 am at St. Andre Bessette Parish- St. Joseph Church, 30 Church Street, Laconia.
Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield St., Laconia.
For those who wish the family suggest that memorial donations may be made to, Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia NH 03246 or Belknap Nursing Home- Activities Fund, 30 County Drive, Laconia NH or to the Lakes Region Scholarship Fund, PO Box 7312, Gilford NH 03247-7312.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.