Rita M. (Berthiaume) Laquerre, 97, died Thursday, August 30, 2012 at the Millbury Health Care Center.
     Her husband of sixty years, Eugene A. Laquerre, died in 1999.
     Rita was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Alfred T. and Bibianne (Brunelle) Berthiaume.
     She was also predeceased by her four brothers, Alfred J., Armand J., Ralph J., and Edward J. Berthiaume.
     Rita attended Holy Name School and graduated from the former High School of Commerce.
     Many years ago, Rita was a sales clerk at Denholm’s department store where she also did some fashion modeling. She later worked in retailing in Northern New Jersey, where she lived for 40 years. In 1980, she and her husband moved to the San Diego area in Calif. where they managed real estate properties together for many years before retiring. She returned to the Worcester area in 2008.
     Rita had many interests and hobbies, many of which she shared with her husband.
     Rita leaves a sister-in-law, Anne M. Berthiaume of Worcester, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
     There will be calling hours Friday, September 7 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, 35 Hamilton St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.
The family suggests donations in Rita’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association , 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.