Rita P. Croteau, 88, a resident of Newburyport, died Monday evening March 1, 2021 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire. She was born in Somersworth, NH on January 1, 1933 to the late Paul and Imelda (Richard) Grenier. Rita was raised in Newburyport and was a graduate of Newburyport High School. Following her graduation Rita was employed for a short time at Gould Shawmut. She married her husband of 68 years, James Croteau, Jr. in 1952 and became a stay at home mom.
For over 30 years Rita and Jim enjoyed their vacation home in Ft. Myers, Florida, where she would spend time on the beach collecting shells to make valentines and countless other crafts.
Rita is survived by her loving husband James Croteau, Jr. of Newburyport; children, Ann Colby and her husband Paul of Newburyport, Mary Perry and her husband John of Newburyport, and John Croteau and his wife Jacinta of Florida; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her twins, James Croteau III, and Jane Smolski; as well as siblings, Morris Grenier, Robert Grenier, and Jeanne Twomey.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday March 9, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. THERE IS NO LONGER ANY PARKING AVAILABLE BEHIND THE FUNERAL HOME PER ORDER OF THE CITY OF NEWBURYPORT. Her Graveside Service at St. Mary Cemetery in Newburyport will follow the visitation.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105, or online at stjude.org.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Rita P. (Grenier) Croteau, please visit our floral store.