OBITUARY: Rita Ellen (Bruneau) LaBrie, 89

Below is an obituary from Dracut Funeral Home:

DRACUT, MA — Rita Ellen (Bruneau) LaBrie passed away on October 9, 2024, at D’Youville Senior Care, her loving family by her side throughout her journey. She was the beloved wife for 54 years of Harvey LaBrie, until his passing in 2013. Born October 6, 1935 in Boston, MA. The daughter of Claire Bruneau Sosnowy and much-loved stepdaughter of Walter Sosnowy.

She graduated from Lowell High School in 1955 and worked as an ophthalmology receptionist in downtown Lowell. She devoted her life to raising her two children and later went on to work at AVCO in Wilmington, MA. She was a past member of the Dracut Lioness Club.

Rita cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren, her pride and joy and never missed attending any of their sports and special events. She was known for her giving heart and always wanting to do more. She looked forward to her coffee clubs and seeing her friends at Top Donut and McDonalds, and as everyone knows, she never missed an opportunity to shop. She was also an avid sports fan, especially of the Boston Red Sox.

Rita will be greatly missed by her two children and grandchildren. She leaves behind her son Michael LaBrie and his wife Jane of Lowell, MA, her daughter Gail Nawn and her husband Ted Nawn of Dracut, MA. Her much-cherished grandchildren, Melissa Nawn of Ayer, MA, Michael LaBrie and his wife Jessica of Atkinson, NH, Ashley Nawn of Dracut, MA, and Kristen (LaBrie) Merlin and her husband Joseph of Pittsford, NY. She also leaves behind one great-grandson Wesley Merlin and many cousins and her close friend Colleen Loiselle.

Her family wishes to thank the entire staff at D’Youville Senior Care Center for providing her with wonderful care and compassion. It was her wish there would be no calling hours. A private service at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in Chelmsford, MA will be held at the Chapel. Memorials can be made in her name to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 51 Blossom St. Boston, MA or D’youville Senior Care Center, 981 Varnum Ave Lowell, MA 01854.

Rita Ellen (Bruneau) LaBrie

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