Rita L. Dugan

Rita was born on March 19, 1926 in Reading, Massachusetts, daughter of John Henry LeFave and Genevieve Kathrine Doucette. She attended local schools and married her first husband Richard Dugan at an early age. Her second husband was George Cleveland Finch. She then married Frank Hunter, who died of cancer after a very brief but wonderful marriage. Early romance returned and Rita and Richard Dugan met at a family wedding and married for a second time, fifty years to the day after their first wedding. Sadly, he also passed of cancer after far too few years. Rita was predeceased by her parents, siblings, husbands, and sons Richard Dugan Jr. and Steven John Finch.

Rita contributed much to her community of Keene, New Hampshire. A communicate of St. James Church, she was always in the kitchen, especially for the Christmas events. She was also a singer participating with the Keene Pops under the leadership of Jean Nelson. She and her daughter fed many in the region with the Portable Feast catering business and the food court at Colony Mill Marketplace. Including Rita, the "Fab Four" catering team of Marsha Dubois, Cal Beecher, and Anne Lawlor produced many events for special celebrations. Rita loved to crochet and was an especially talented and prolific maker of hats, which are now worn by people all over the world. Rita was also a volunteer, giving many hours at Maplewood to assist nursing home residents in participating in activities like flower arranging, bingo, gardening, and the clothing exchange. Her warmth, sense of humor, and sunny outlook brought joy to everyone who knew her.

Rita is survived by her daughter Linda Stavely of Keene, New Hampshire, son George Cleveland Finch Jr. of Theresa, New York, and her grandchildren Rachel Stavely Hale, Jotham Stavely, Steven Finch, her great-grand children, nieces and nephews, and the many people who were not related to her but still knew her as "Gramma Rita." She is also survived by: Homer "Tony" Stavely, father of Rachel and Jotham Stavely and his wife Mary of Northfield, Ma.

A service of celebration of her life will take place at St. James Episcopal Church in Keene, NH on March 18, 2018 at 3pm.

Rita requested that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Maplewood Activity Department, 201 River Rd, Westmoreland, NH. 03467.