Rita M. Landry

Rita M. (King) Landry, age 95, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury, died peacefully Monday, December 31, 2012 in Worcester Rehabilitation and Health Care Center (formerly Radius Healthcare) surrounded by her loving family. Her beloved husband of 66 years, Leon H. Landry passed away November 4, 2003. Rita is survived by her two sons, John H. Landry of Maryland and Paul L. Landry and his wife Donna of Sturbridge; three daughters, Carol A Mercurio with whom she lived, Judith E. Laukaitis of Auburn and Joyce M. Lovoie of Dorchester; nineteen grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by two sisters, Gladys Kavoogian and Doris Orfalea. Rita was born in Worcester, daughter of Alfred and Minnie (Christian) King. She worked as a pharmacy clerk for many years. Rita during her early years was a Miss America finalist in Atlantic City in 1935. Rita had such a spirit of adventure and thrived on seeing new places and experiencing different cultures. She continued to travel widely until the last few years of her life. Rita loved her family dearly and delighted in spending time with her children and their spouses as well as her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a gift for friendship and hospitality, loved to entertain, and was a wonderful cook. She loved the Lord and her Catholic faith was an anchor in her life. Her family extends a special thanks to Radius Healthcare for their exceptional care and kindness given to their mother. Family, friends, and others whose lives Rita touched are invited to MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantations Street, Worcester from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2013. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury. Rita will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. Those who wish to remember Rita by way of a memorial tribute are kindly asked to consider the St. Anne Church Human Services, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, MA 01545. To share your thoughts and memories of Rita, please visit her personal guestbook at: mercadantefuneral.com