Rita R. (Lussier) Martel, 79, of Manchester died December 19, 2002 at Catholic Medical Center after a long illness.
Born in Manchester on April 4, 1923, she was the daughter of Joseph and Ida (Lalanne) Lussier. She was a lifelong resident of Manchester.
Mrs. Martel worked at J.F. McElwain Shoe Company and the Manchester School District, School Food and Nutrition Department for many years.
She was a longtime communicant of St. Anthony Church and was a member of the Ladies of St. Anne of that parish. She was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary and had been active with the Order of the Alhambra.
She was married to Joseph W. Martel who died in 1990.
The family includes three daughters, Claire R. Croteau of Hollis, Susan E. Martel of East Granby, CT and Lorraine V. Martel of Manchester; four sons, Donald J. Martel of Manchester, Edward H. Martel of Allenstown, Jean P. Martel and David D. Martel both of Manchester; six grandchildren; a sister, Juliette Cote of San Leandro, CA; a brother, Andre Lussier of Manchester; nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday December 23, 2002 in St. Anthony Church, corner of Belmont and Harvard streets, Manchester. Graveside committal prayers followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 474 Goffstown Rd., Manchester.
Memorial donations may be made to the Monastery of the Precious Blood, 700 Bridge St., Manchester 03104, or to the American Heart Association, 20 Merrimack St. Manchester 03101.