Mary Rita (Bourque) Cartier, 98, of Amesbury MA, died peacefully surrounded by her Loving family on December 15, 2024 at Mountain View Nursing Home in Ossipee Nh We are extremely grateful to the staff at Mountain View for the care that Rita received in her final days.  

   Rita was born in Amesbury on October 27, 1926. She was the daughter of Germaine Bourque. Rita’s mother passed away seven months after her birth and Maternal Grandparents, Marie and Joseph Bourque took on the roll of parenting and lovingly caring for Rita as their own child. Rita attended Sacred Heart School and then graduated from Amesbury High School in 1945. After High School, Rita worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in the personnel department and at Towle Silver Shop in Newburyport.  Rita met the love of her life, Gilbert Cartier, at a dance at the Grange Hall in West Newbury, MA., saying it was love at first sight. Rita and Gil were married on November 24, 1951 at Sacred Heart Church in Amesbury MA. They had three children, Mark, Gilbert P. and Michele. Rita and Gil both worked at AT&T/Lucent in North Andover, MA, while raising their children. Rita retired from AT&T in 1990. Rita and Gil enjoyed dancing and traveling and attending sporting events for their children and grandchildren. They also enjoyed their summer camp in Wakefield, NH near Province Lake. Rita and Gil were also long standing members of the Lions Club. Rita was a very special person and God had gifted her with such a natural ability to befriend the many people that truly loved being near her. People were drawn to her and loved having visits and conversing with her. God had blessed Rita and Gil with 62 wonderful years together until Gil passed away in 2013. 

   Rita is survived by her two sons, Mark S. Cartier of W. Ossipee, NH, Gilbert P. Cartier of Hampton Nh Daughter in Law Julie Cartier of East Hampstead Nh, daughter Michele Cartier of Newburyport , MA. Grandchildren, Chad Cartier and his wife Kristina of Rocky Hill CT, Cory Cartier and wife Lauren of St. Johns , SC, John Paul Cartier and wife Rachel of Surprize, AZ, Lauren Corso and husband David of New Durham, NH, Leah Castro and husband Dennis of Surprise, AZ , Adam Bragg and his fiance Soulina Berwick, ME, Marc Bragg and wife Sarah of Haverhill, MA. Great Grandchildren, Molli and Denny Aquaro of Cambridge, MA, Nathan Cartier of East Boston and Roman and Vivian Castro of Surprise, AZ, Landon, Cadence and Karissa and Grant Cartier of Surprize, AZ. Henry and Raegan Bragg of Haverhill Ma, Kiyanna Larie and Jaedyn of Berwick ME. Rita was predeceased by her husband Gilbert R. Cartier, Daughter in Law Gaylynn Cartier Granddaughter Amber Aquaro,  mother Germaine Bourque, Grandparents Marie and Joseph Bourque, siblings, Julie Eaton , Marie Nichols, Felix Bourque, Peter Bourque. Also predeceased by her loving Grand-daughter in law, Jessica Cartier. Rita leaves many beloved nieces and nephews, and many special friends. 

  Calling hours at the E.V. Jutras and Sons Funeral Home 118 Friend St. in Amesbury, MA. will be held on Friday January 3 from 4-7 pm Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday January 4, 2025 at 10:00 am  in the St. Andre Bessette Church 2 School St. in Amesbury followed by burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Donations may be made to Amesbury Lions Club in her memory.