Rita L. Simard

Rita L. Simard
Active in the Leominster community; 97

LEOMINSTER -- Rita Lucy (Peloquin) Simard, 97, of Leominster, died Saturday, May 9, 2015, in the Christopher House, in Worcester, after an illness.

She was born July 22, 1917, in Leominster, daughter of Adelard and Hermina (Paulhus) Peloquin. She graduated from Leominster High School and was an active member of the Reunion Committee of the Class of 1935.

Mrs. Simard provided accounting services in Leominster and Fitchburg for many years. She also worked at Gettens Electric Supply Inc. for 42 years.

Mrs. Simard was a longtime member of St. Cecilia's Church, involved in many of St. Cecilia's Church activities and fund raising. She was secretary to the late Monsignor Arthur J. Gravel, a former Pastor of St. Cecilia's Church. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She served as a polling election officer for many years in Leominster. Mrs. Simard was a member of the St. Jean Baptist Society serving as their treasurer for over 50 years. She was also a member of the St. Jean's Degree Team. She belonged to the Professional Women's Club, the League of Catholic Women, and the former Emblem Club. She volunteered on several drives to enlarge and renovate Leominster Hospital, for the March of Dimes, American Red Cross, the Heart Fund, and the Cancer Fund.

Her husband of 35 years, Louis E. Simard, died in 1972, and her son, Paul R. Simard, died in 1963.

She was also predeceased by two brothers, Elmer A. Peloquin, Roy L. Peloquin, and a sister, Valeda E. Goodale, all of Leominster.

She leaves her daughter, Jean L. Curry and her husband, Kenneth, of Florida; two granddaughters, Candace J. Gouveia and her husband, Jerry, and Darlene Ernst and her husband, Peter; three great-grandchildren, Joshua Ernst, Corey Jovan, and Christa Ernst; one great-great-granddaughter, Aria.

SIMARD -- The funeral will be held Friday, May 15, from Simard Funeral Home, 14 Walker St., Leominster, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. in St. Cecilia's Church, 180 Mechanic St., Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Cecilia's Cemetery. A calling hour will precede the funeral, Friday, May 15, from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Shriners Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.simardfuneralhome.com.