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Ricker Funeral Homes & Crematory - Lebanon

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Lebanon, New Hampshire

Rita Conley Obituary

CANAAN - Rita Bellavance Conley, 54, died peacefully while surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.

She was born Aug. 10, 1958, in Lebanon a daughter of John Paul and Joanne (Pinard) Bellavance. She grew up in Lebanon and attended Sacred Heart School before graduating from Lebanon High School, class of 1976. Rita received her certificate in Medical Coding and went to work as a medical coder at DHMC from 2003 until 2008. She then became a coding advisor at DHMC from 2008 until 2010, at which time she left to take the same position at Alice Peck Day Hospital in Lebanon from 2010, on.

Rita will be remembered as a spitfire, someone who loved to ride her motorcycle, gardening, camping, becoming a mother to anyone she met. She was known for her infectious laugh, and as someone that put her needs aside and worried more for others, even in the depths of her illness. One of Rita's biggest joys was caring for her father, John Paul, during his illness.

She was predeceased by her father, John Paul Bellavance, in 2011.

Rita is survived by her husband of 10 years, David G. Conley of Canaan; her mother, Joanne Bellavance of Lebanon; her two children, April Stone and her husband William of Lebanon, and Christopher Harlow and his wife Teresa of Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va.; two stepchildren, Shannon Conley of Bealton, Va., and Jon Conley of Canaan; a sister, Mary Blain and her husband Stuart of Canaan; two brothers, John Bellavance and his wife Brenna of Lebanon and James Bellavance of Los Angeles, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

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services: Family and friends are invited to call at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall of the church. A burial will take place on Friday, March 1, at 11 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Lebanon. Messages of sympathy for the family can be left at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center Multiple Myeloma Research, c/o Dr. Lowrey, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, 03756.

Published by Union Leader on Feb. 26, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rita Conley

Not sure what to say?





How could anyone ever forget that smile that laughter.

NOREEN CLARK

Friend

February 21, 2023

It's been 2 weeks since you left us Rita, I miss you dearly...
I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to spend so much time with you those last few months and I appreciate that you invited me to be part of your journey. Your friendship is something I will cherish always.
My thoughts go out to Rita's family for I know it is difficult to lose someone you love. I hope you find comfort in the happy memories.

Felicia Nalepinski

March 11, 2013

I first met "Spitfire Rita" at Twin State Harley Davidson as I worked part time there. I came to learn that not only did I know Rita through the Harley shop but we also worked within the same institution together.

While I transferred to the DHMC Plymouth location Rita was our coder and we spent many a times on the phone chit chatting and enjoying our harley stories. Yes we added work into the mix so we didn't get into too much trouble.

Rita was my inspiration into the coding world. She would take whatever time I needed to walk me through any coding problems and enjoyed doing it. It was because of her that I am currently in school to obtain my coding certification.

As time passed I lost touch with Rita. I figured the craziness of everyday life had occupied her time these days as I know it had mine.

It was with the most shocking, saddened heart that I saw the reasoning for our distance - her photo was right beside my grandfather's obituary in the Valley News on Monday.

I never got to thank her for her guidance and sparking my interest into advancing my career and so I write to her family to say thank you. Thank you for having a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, friend.

She will truly be missed.

Bridie Fortier

March 4, 2013

With deepest sympathy to Rita's family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Hill, Canaan, NH

March 4, 2013

To Rita's Family,
I will always remember Rita's great smile when she would come into Hanover St. School to get either April or Christopher. My prayers are with all of the family during this difficult time.

Jackie Minard

March 3, 2013

So sorry to hear about Rita. When i first met Rita she moved in over me on school street. What a laugh and such a smile. We became friends. It has been about four years since I'v seen her, but will not forget her. May her memories bring laughter and great joy to you all.

Norreen Barden Clark

March 2, 2013

To Rita's Family,
She will be missed by all who knew her.
My deepest sympathy,
Ann (Schneider) Johnson

March 2, 2013

My deepest sympathy to Rita's family. Rita was my buddy, a rare gem with whom I bonded and stayed friends with for most of our working lives. Rita was fun! We shared a lot of gut-wrenching laughter and great conversations. Her tee-heeing and calling out "Daaaaarrrla" will forever be an audible memory. Rita was a smile in the face of life, a best friend, and I will miss her so much.

Darla Lyndes

March 2, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Rita's family. The day Rita left us, we just knew that God had received another angel. My heart aches for the loss of my best friend of 42 memorable years, and I will never forget my sweet Rita's smile, her infectious laugh, and our tender heart to heart talks. She so lovingly touched each one of us and our love for her will live on in our hearts forever. We love you!

Dee Fillian

February 28, 2013

John: Our condolences. Steve and Mary Jane Dobbs

Steve & MJ Dobbs

February 28, 2013

James,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Christine (DiMascola) Shores

February 28, 2013

To the Conley and Bellevance Families, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rita. I knew her as a Family friend, school mate and coworker at APD. I know she will be greatly missed by all WHO knew her. R I P Rita.

James Bailey

February 27, 2013

Dear April, Bill and Cameron and your extended family, my heartfelt sympathy to you all. My prayers are with you.

Diane Welch

February 27, 2013

You were definately a candle who shone very bright over your family and friends. You touched many people while you were here. I know that there is a snappy angel picking out her wings in heaven today. Rest in peace Rita and peace be with your family while they celebrate your life.

Don & Debbie Goodwin

February 27, 2013

I am so sad to hear about Rita's passing. I will greatly miss her infectious laugh and endless optimism despite any adversity she faced. She is a remarkable person who will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences to her family.

Annette Helms

February 27, 2013

Dear Bellavance Family
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My love and thoughts are with you.

Nancy Vendelby

February 27, 2013

To the Conley and Bellevance Families,
I will deeply miss Rita. Her infectious laugh and smile would always lift my spirits if I was down. She was a caring and giving person. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Debbie Wentworth

February 27, 2013

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

mary + ken Clifford

February 27, 2013

My deepest condolences to the family. I know how much her sister will miss Rita.

Marylou Hecht

February 26, 2013

My heart is saddened by the passing of Rita. She was a wonderful & loving mother to her children April & Chris. I was fortunate to have known her when she lived in Roswell, Ga. God Bless.

Jean Hecking-Squire

February 26, 2013

Words are difficult at a time like this. Rita has been a constant as a life-time classmate and fellow member of the Class of '76. Our Fathers who once worked togeher. Our paths have intermttently crossed over the years as we built our lives here in Lebanon. What an infectious person. Always quick with a smile and full of laughter. Rita, I'm so sorry you time was cut short. You will leave a huge gap for many. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Marcia Tolbert-Ingalls

February 26, 2013

The staff at the CCM have you all in our hearts and prayers. Rita is now with her beloved father in God's holy hands.

Helen Daisey

February 26, 2013

So sad to hear this news. Rita's larger than life personality will be missed! Suzanne Dupree Baker

Suzanne Baker

February 26, 2013

Rita, I am sure God has special place for you next to him under the title "Forever Mother". I never thought of you as a "Stepmother" to Shannon and Jon, you were the "Other" Mother in it's purest truest form. Your love knew no bounds. Though I'm sure they tried and tested you, you continued to show them so much beauty, grace, love and forgiveness. And now you will always be Shannon and Jon's "Forever Mother". Forever in their hearts your love and memories they will carry. You were a blessing for me. No other mother could I have handpicked that would have done the job better. With all my heart I hope you find enternal peace and love in the arms of God until you and David meet again. To April and Chris, thank you for sharing your mother. Shannon and Jon are so blessed having had her in their lives. My deepest condolences go out to David, April, Chris, the entire Bellavance family and all the Conleys. May God Bless you and keep you through your time of need and beyond.

Elise Dufour

February 26, 2013

Thoughts and prayers to the family. Rita was a wonderful lady so helpful and fun to be around she will be terribly missed

Kelley King

February 26, 2013

Rita, you taught me more about living life than I could ever express to you. The way you gave everything your all and loved with your heart on your sleeve was a true joy to behold. I am truly blessed that our paths crossed. I will forever remember the lessons you taught me and will look forward to one day hearing that mischievous giggle again. Until then, napkins will be tucked into shirts everywhere to prevent "pulling a Rita!" Love you, Melanie

Melanie Cook

February 26, 2013

Thoughts and prayers go to all Bless you Rita you certainly was an example for us to follow.

David Muzzy

February 26, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in my prayers at this time.

Darcy Sylvestre

February 26, 2013

Joanne,John, Mary and Jamie... My heart goes out to you all. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Laura Dukeshire

February 26, 2013

Rita will be sorely missed. She was a wonderful, caring and kind lady. She truly was an inspiration to all of us.
She always checked on me during my treatment. Even when she didn't feel well herself, she took the time to make sure I didn't need anything. I will forever be thankful for knowing you Rita, what a blessing. My prayers are with your family.

Bobette Woodward

February 26, 2013

Rita,
You , your mom and dad, brothers and sisters are special to me.
My condolences to your husband, children , mom and brothers and sister.You will be sorely missed.
Steve Bellavance

Steve Bellavance

February 26, 2013

Rita had the most wonderful laugh. A bad day at work would always turn good after seeing and hearing her laugh.
I will miss you Rita.

Candy Hammond

February 26, 2013

Rita you life was an inspiration to me. Your courage, passion &love was expressed in everything you did. Thank you for being such a good friend! The ring of your laughter will always echo in my heart. LOVE YOU Kars

Karen Scholtz

February 26, 2013

Dave and family, I am very sorry to read about your loss. Rita was a great person and always had a infectious smile. Out sympathy and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time.

Cindy Bissonnette

February 26, 2013

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Ricker Funeral Homes & Crematory - Lebanon

56 School Street P.O. Box 549, Lebanon, NH 03766

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