Rita F. Gendreau, 85, of Salem, NH, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Boston, MA, surrounded by her family.

Born in September 1939 in Lowell, MA, Rita grew up during a challenging era for the city, which was once a thriving center of the textile industry and known for its strong French Canadian community.  She was the second of five children born to Blanche and Peter Camire. From a young age, Rita loved to dance and read, and she showed a deep commitment to care for others early in life. Before completing high school, she began working full time at a local shoe factory to help support her family.

In 1956, Rita and Jack Gendreau married after his return from military service and began their life together, first in Dracut, MA, then Troy, NY, before settling in Salem, NH, where Rita lived for more than 50 years. Alongside raising five children and caring for a variety of pets—especially her beloved dachshunds—Rita found joy in nurturing growth, whether in her garden, at Lake Street Garden Center, or while working at her daughter's preschool, Create and Discover.  At C&D she was known for her remarkable ability to comfort even the fussiest babies. She also worked as a bookkeeper to her husband Jack's growing electronics business, OEM Marketing and Sales.

In Salem, Rita quickly became affectionately known as "Ma" and later "Gram" by friends and neighbors, a testament to her ever-present warmth and support for her family and community. Her home was a lively gathering place for her children and their friends, and she was a constant, enthusiastic presence at their sporting events—undaunted by bad weather and always ready to help, even serving as an impromptu ambulance driver on more than one occasion. In her later years, Rita treasured time with her grandchildren, eagerly stepping in as a babysitter, chauffeur, and cherished role model, embodying the values of love, generosity, and community.

Rita will be deeply missed by her five children, John Gendreau and wife Debra of Atkinson, NH, Karen Tate and husband Daniel of Salem, NH, Kevin Gendreau and wife Donna of Newburyport, MA, Michelle Whittaker and husband Darin of Salem, NH and Steve Gendreau and wife Erika of San Rafael, CA; her siblings, Theresa Wilson, Jackie Donahue and Michelle Stott; her 11 grandchildren, Meghan, Andrew, Cristina, Cassandra, Ashley, Shane, Nina, Alec, Tayla, Addison and Simone; her great grandson, Jack and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, Jack Gendreau, and her brother, William Camire.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 24th from 4:00 – 6:00 PM followed by a funeral service at 6:00 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St. Salem, NH. Burial will be private for the family.

Memorial contributions in Rita's name may be sent to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com