Northborough – Rita M. Grandpre passed away peacefully in her beloved home of 51 years on Aug. 27, 2021. She was 91 years old. At the time of her passing, Rita was surrounded by the comfort of her family. Rita was the devoted wife of 47 years to Roland J. Grandpre Sr. until his own death in 2002.
Born in Boston and raised in Framingham, Rita was the only child to the late Harold W. and Mary M. (O’Buchon) Horne. She remained in Central Falls as a young adult; it was here she met her soon-to-be-husband, Roland. In 1969, the young couple relocated to their new home in Northborough where they raised their four children.
Rita was a hard worker who spent much of her full-time working career in the field of manufacturing. She last worked as a clerk in the shipping and receiving department of the former Future Electronics of Bolton. She also served as a full-time mother to her family and looked forward to making every day special for them.
While she herself was content with a simple life and keeping her modest home, she found pleasure and contentment in knowing she was able to play a role in providing for her family. Sunday family dinners, grandchildren’s activities in later years and those special Christmas mornings will always be cherished by her family.
Rita and Roland enjoyed playing Cribbage and challenging their friends in Pitch tournaments. Broadway shows and musicals were a favorite pastime of Rita’s which she gladly shared with her children, grandchildren and eventually, her great-granddaughters. She looked forward to an opportunity to travel to New York City to catch a show at Radio City or perhaps a live play at a Broadway Theatre. Rita also loved the ocean, most especially along the Marginal Way and Ogunquit shoreline. She loved her family and their pets, which she spoiled every chance she got.
Rita, who was affectionately referred to as Riri by her family, is survived by her four children, Diane Simoneau and partner Robert Murphy of Northborough, Paula Grandpre-Wood and her husband Michael Wood of Barre, RJ Grandpre and his wife Maribeth of Northborough, and Elaine Perkins and her husband Edward of Buzzard’s Bay. She also leaves her six grandchildren, Brenna Hernandez and husband Emilio, Meagan Simoneau and fiancé Ben Martin, Olivia Perkins, EJ Perkins, Maeve Grandpre, and Ryan Grandpre, and two great-granddaughters, Grace and Tess Hernandez; all whom she loved so much. They in turn will forever keep Riri close to them in their hearts.
Calling hours have been set for Wednesday, Sept. 1, from 5-7 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 2, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Bernadette Parish, 266 Main St., Northborough. The wearing of masks and the practice of social distancing is encouraged.
The family respectfully request that in lieu of floral tributes, memorial donations be considered to assist the mission of the Baypath Humane Society, 500 Legacy Farms N, Hopkinton, MA 01748 (www.baypathhumane.org).
To leave a condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
