Shrewsbury – Doris J. Rimkus, 95, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury died Tuesday, September 23, 2024 with her family by her side.
She was born on March 20, 1928 in Fitchburg and was the daughter of Sarah and Vius Richard. She was a 1947 graduate of St. Bernard’s High School in Fitchburg.
She is survived by her children, Joanne Billings and her husband Richard of Northborough, Janice Wingood and her husband Duncan of Suffield, Connecticut, Katherine Grenier and her husband Joseph of North Falmouth and John Rimkus and his partner Susan Cusson of Shrewsbury. She also leaves nine grandchildren; James and Kerry Claflin of Shrewsbury, Jeffrey and Kathryn Wingood of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Joshua and Nicole Claflin of Gardner, Justin and Nicole Wingood of Indian Land S.C, Matt and Cheri Grenier of Northborough, Nicole Grenier and her husband Josh Handy of Waltham, Brittaney Rimkus of Jacksonville, Florida, Rebecca Rimkus of Athol and Katie Grenier of Las Vegas, Nevada, 21 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Beside her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Francis “Fran” Rimkus, to whom she was married for 65 years. She and her husband spent many vacations at Old Orchard Beach with their children and grandchildren. They traveled to several states, Bermuda and took many day trips for local sight-seeing. She was also predeceased by her brother Gerard Richard and her sisters; Juliet Cournoyer, Rita Langelier, Loretta Murray and Louise Cormier.
Doris’ first job was at Independent Lock Co. in Fitchburg. She worked as a store assistant manager at the former Shropshire Curiosity Shoppe that was in Shrewsbury center and worked for the Town of Shrewsbury as a school crossing guard for many years. She was a talented seamstress, knitter and created numerous counted cross-stitch treasures including many Hummel designs that she gave to her family and friends. In addition to her love of the beach she also enjoyed making jigsaw puzzles, working on crossword puzzles and playing bingo but mostly she loved spending time with her family.
Our mother was a devoted Catholic and when no longer able to attend church in person she faithfully followed daily Masses on television. Our family will miss her dearly and she will forever live in our hearts.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Those attending the mass should go directly to church.
