Rita M. Devlin

Rita M. Devlin, 85 of Jaffrey, NH, died peacefully, yet unexpectedly, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon on July 22, 2021 after a brief illness.

She was born in Manchester, NH on February 6, 1936, daughter of the late Edward and Germaine (Charron) Gagnon. She spent most of her childhood years in Henniker, NH and was a 1954 graduate of Henniker High School.

Rita earned her nursing degree from the Elliott Hospital School of Nursing, Keene, NH. As a Registered Nurse, Rita worked for more than 40 years at the Elliott Community Hospital/Cheshire Medical Center in various roles providing direct patient care and as a Charge Nurse, retiring in 1995. Rita also worked as a private duty nurse. Caring for geriatric patients was her specialty.

Rita married William E. Devlin, Jr. on May 10, 1958. They lived and raised their family in Jaffrey. A woman of strong faith, she was a communicant of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church. Rita happily spent countless hours working on the beautiful gardens around her home. She enjoyed making treasured cross stitch pieces as she cheered on her beloved Marquette University Basketball, Boston Red Sox and Celtics and was a faithful Conant High School sports fan. Rita passionately loved her family and was happiest spending time with her grandchildren and “great grands.”

She was preceded in death by her husband on October 2, 1989, and by her brother Robert Gagnon.
Rita is survived by her two daughters, Kathleen Devlin of Jaffrey and Elizabeth Winder of Springvale, ME; her three sons, Alan (Tammy) Devlin of Jaffrey, Paul (Phyllis) of Phoenix, NY, and Michael (Donna) of Rindge; her eight grandchildren James Michael Devlin, Matthew (Lea) Devlin, Shaun Devlin, Christine Devlin, Caitlin Winder, Ryan (Jean) Devlin, Nathan Devlin and Casey Devlin; and several great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother Joseph Gagnon of Charleston, WV; sister-in-law Ann Gagnon of North Sutton, NH; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

At Rita’s request, there will be no calling hours or services at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at HCS, 312 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH 03431.