Rita M. Laflamme, 97

Rita M. (Dupont) Laflamme, 97, passed away at Golden View Health Care Center on Dec. 15, 2024.

This Valentine baby was born Feb. 14, 1927, to Allison and Lillian (Allard) Dupont in Laconia. Rita was the eldest of the 11 Dupont children. She graduated from Laconia High School in 1946.

Rita and her World War II sailor, Albert Laflamme, married in October of that same year. She spent those early years as a devoted mother, raising her four children, Lydia, Susanne, Gary and Karen. When the youngest, Karen, was old enough, Rita went to work in the Laflamme Family Bakery. Rita was an accomplished cake decorator and many Lakes Region families enjoyed her custom cakes for their special occasions. During this time, Rita and Albert kept busy with their core value — family. Summers were spent at the camp on Paugus Bay waterskiing, boating and outdoor movies. They always found time to meet up with their siblings to play cards at home or Gilford Beach. Winters were Gunstock for alpine skiing and later family cross-county ski races at Bolduc Park.

In 1969, Laflamme’s Bakery relocated to Water Street and a full-service restaurant was added. Breakfast and lunch were offered and Rita became the short-order cook and specialty soup maker. She still decorated cakes and managed the business. After working six days a week, 12 hours a day, she said to Albert, “I’ve had enough. Let’s live.” In 1981 the bakery/restaurant was sold. They packed up their motor home and away they went. When they were introduced to Habitat for Humanity it gave them a new purpose. Rita, armed with her hammer (she was the DIY type) and Albert with his rolling pin, they made a great team. Many Habitat for Humanity locations across America found Rita building and Albert baking. After several years on the open road, hey decided to start a new chapter in the Sarasota-Bradenton area of Florida. Lots of sunbathing, tennis, bicycling and entertaining family and friends, everyone was welcome. Rita took up quilting, sewing projects and crocheting. Rita and Albert still found time to volunteer at Meals on Wheels and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church events.

Rita and Albert were married 61 years at the time of his passing in 2007.

Rita is survived by her four children as well as 10 grandchildren, Susan, Sean, Stephen, Duke, Anthony, Jason, Gregory, Margaux, Rae and Anarita; and 14 great-grandchildren, Conor, Madison, Taylor, Jackson, Gabrielle, Harrison, Trent, Hunter, Piper, Parker, Quinn, Grayson, Wilder and Harper.

A full life — well lived!

Rita’s ashes will rest beside her beloved Albert at the Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. A celebration of Rita’s life will be held in the spring of 2025.

Special thanks go to patient services at Golden View — Frank, Wanda, Rose, Karen C., Cindy and Karen F. For the incredible, loving, dedication of the staff at the Pines at Golden View (so many names to mention, but you all know who you are), all the wonderful staff throughout the building who knew and loved Rita, and Angels of Compassus Hospice — thank you.