Rita M. (Richard) Arsenault

Waltham – Mrs. Rita M. (Richard) Arsenault, of Waltham, died Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Maristhill Nursing Home in Waltham. She was 97.

Rita was born in East Galloway, New Brunswick, on January 31, 1921, a daughter of the late Isadore and Catherine Richard. She came to the States when she was nineteen and became a lifelong Waltham resident. Until her retirement Rita had worked for the Parker Hannifin Company in Waltham and before that at Unitrode in Newton.

She will long be remembered for her devotion to her children and grandchildren. It's been said that God couldn't be everywhere . . . so that's why he created mothers . . . and that was true of Rita. For her girls, she was first their mother, and then their friend. She became a close confidante, trusted advisor and grandmother extraordinaire.

Rita was never afraid of hard work but enjoyed having fun too. She skated until 70, skied at 80 and drove her car til she was beyond 90. Strong, loving, independent and resourceful are words best used to describe her.

She was a terrific square dancer and enjoyed bowling and knitting. Her talents around the kitchen never went unnoticed either, especially her skill at baking. Her special Yum-Yums and soup were always met with a smile.

She leaves her children, Diane M. Boudrot (Park) of Waltham, Carol A. Valchuis (David) of Concord and Gail C. Nestor (James) of Acton; her grandchildren, Jeremy Boudrot (Lindsay), Casey Friend (Christopher), Mark Valchuis, Laurel Valchuis (Christopher Wilson), Steven Valchuis, Eric Valchuis, Jamie Nestor (John Finley) and Jaclyn Huchachar (Guru); her great-grandchildren; Paxton Friend and Forrest Finley, her sisters, Roselyn Weagle of Waltham and May Melanson of Lowell and many nieces and nephews.

Rita was the former wife of the late Yvon Arsenault and a sister of the late Jeanne Petrie, Lucy O'Brien, Edgar, Yvon and Joseph Richard.

Family and friends will honor and remember Rita's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, February 14th from 4 to 8 pm. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.