Rita Thurston

ROCHESTER - Rita A. Thurston, 82, of the Inn at Spruce Wood, Durham, (formerly of Charles Street, Rochester) died Sunday, May 31, 2009 at the Wentworth Douglas Hospital in Dover. She was born Dec. 27, 1926 in Somersworth, the daughter of the late Albert and Leonide (Bouchard) Boulanger.She had lived in Rochester all of her life until August of 2008, at which time she moved to the Inn at Spruce Wood, an assisted living facility. She was a longtime communicant of the St. Mary's Church in Rochester. She will be remembered for her love of family (especially her grandchildren), for her love of life, her tender heart and for being a devoted caregiver to her mother, husband and son. She was the widow of Kermit Thurston, who died in June 2001.Members of her family include a daughter, Joan Caldwell and husband Bruce of Colorado; sons, Robert and wife Phyllis of Farmington and Peter and wife Mary of Sanbornville. She is also survived by grandchildren Lisa Schmidt and husband Jeremy of North Dakota, Katie Caldwell of Colorado, Scott Thurston and wife Bridgette of North Carolina, Kate Thurston of Plymouth, Michael Thurston Jr. and wife Amber of Farmington and Wyatt Thurston of Sanbornville.She is also survived by a brother, Raymond and wife Rita of Somersworth; a sister-in-law, Mona Boulanger of Somersworth, and a sister-in-law and lifelong dear friend, Rita (Ernest) Boulanger of Somersworth. She also leaves two great granddaughters and many nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by a son, Michael P. Thurston, who died in 2003, and brothers Ernest and Richard.A wake will be held Wednesday, June 3, 2009 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 S. Main St., Rochester, NH 03867.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the St. Mary's Church, Lowell Street, Rochester, with the Rev. Pierre Baker as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Somersworth.Family flowers only please. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of choice.@Online guest book:Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.