Rita M. Breton

1945 - 2025

Rita M. Breton, 79, Gorham, ME; formerly of Biddeford, ME and Allenstown NH, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Gorham House after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

She was born in Manchester, NH on November 10, 1945, daughter of the late Armand and Yvonne (Martel) Menard. Rita grew up in Allenstown in a home built by her uncle and grandfather, each brick made and laid by hand. Rita met the love of her life Ray in grade school and they soon became sweethearts and married in 1964. Rita and Ray brought up their family in this special house and it was always a place to enjoy a conversation or a laugh (or two).

Rita began a successful career as a hairdresser in downtown Suncook and then moved her business to the basement of her home where she found joy in making others feel beautiful. Rita was brilliant at her craft and loved every moment of her career. Her clients loved her not only for her talent but her warm personality and sense of humor. Rita was very involved in her church community and was former president of the Ladies of St. Anne.

Rita and Ray enjoyed making memories at their camp on Suncook Lake in Barnstead. Family and friends were welcome to stop by anytime and while Ray taught anyone who wanted to learn to water ski, Rita always captained the boat. After selling the camp in the late 80's, Rita and Ray enjoyed taking long rides, going to the theater, attending family events and spending time with their grandchildren.

In 2017, due to the progression of Ray's prostate cancer and Rita's Alzheimer's disease, they decided to sell the family home and move to Maine to be closer to family. After Ray's passing in 2018, the family decided that Gorham House would be the best place to care for Rita. For six years she received exceptional care along with support from Compassus Hospice.

Besides her parents, Rita was predeceased by the love of her life, Ray Breton in 2018, and her brother, Ernest Menard.

She is survived by a daughter, Lee Ann Dutremble and her husband Richard of Biddeford, ME, son, Ryan Breton and partner Amanda Merrill of Clarksville, NH, daughter-in-law, Andrea Breton of Milford, NH, one brother, Roger Menard and his wife Jo-Ann of Allenstown, sister-in-law, Celeste Menard of Raymond, NH, five grandchildren: Joshua, Aaron and Renee Dutremble, Nora and Marina Breton as well as numerous nieces nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 11AM-1PM at the Roan Family Funeral Home, 167 Main Street, Pembroke, NH. A Memorial service will be held in the funeral home at 1PM. Interment will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com