Rita Tessier

Rita Tessier, 98, a longtime resident of Dracut, passed away peacefully at D'Youville Nursing Home on Friday, July 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Roger Tessier with whom she enjoyed 53 years of marriage.
She was born in Lowell on June 15, 1927, and was the daughter of the late Blaise E. and Elizabeth (O'Brien) Brunelle.
Rita met her future husband while dancing at Lakeview Ballroom. After they were married, they went on to win many awards for their ballroom dancing. Besides being a great dancer, Rita was also a great listener and a wiz at finances. She spent most of her life caring for her handicapped son Guy with total devotion, always with a smile and random clap of hands, and without complaint. It was not uncommon at different times of the day or before events she would say, "What about Guy?" so he would never be left alone.
Rita loved her daughter Michelle's cooking so much that she was always overheard asking, "What's for dinner tonight?" She was known for her love of sweets, especially anything chocolate. Rita also enjoyed reading, watching birds, flower gardening, line dancing, and trips with Guy hosted by the Dracut Senior Center.
Rita is survived by her children, Michelle Browning and her husband Gary, and Guy Tessier; her grandchildren Danielle Slattery and her husband Benjamin, Allison Kerzner and husband Aaron, and Cody Browning; and her great-grandchildren, Milo, Nash, and Layla Slattery.
She was predeceased by her sister, Frances Hogan of Lowell.
Nana will be greatly missed for her humility and devotion to family and others. The family has special thanks to the staff at the D'Youville Senior Center who took wonderful care of our mom.
Per her request, funeral services for Rita will be private.