M. Rita (Frappier) Larange

M. Rita (Frappier) Larange passed away peacefully on the morning of May 23, 2021 at the age of 98.

Rita was born in Greenfield on December 1, 1922 the daughter of Joseph and Lena (Villeneuve) Frappier. Rita’s husband, Harry F. Larange predeceased her on September 6, 1988.

Rita’s survivors include two daughters; Linda Boehmer of Greenfield and Rosemary Beaudoin and her husband Damase “Brud” of Sparks, NV, a son Mark Larange and his wife Dulcie of Greenfield, four grandsons; Corey Larange, Kris Larange and his wife Shannon, Alec and Ryan Beaudoin, five great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and several nieces and nephews,

Rita was a graduate of Greenfield High School, class of 1940, and then graduated from Northampton Commercial College.

She was employed by the Federal Land Bank in Springfield, and then moved on the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Co before ending her career as a secretary at the B & M Railroad office in Greenfield for 13 years. She also became a real estate broker in the 1970’s.

A devout catholic, Rita was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church and was a member and past president of the former St. Joseph’s Guild of Holy Trinity School as well as the Rosary Sodality. She was one of the oldest and longest members of the church.

Each year for 25 years Rita would winter in Florida but always looked forward to “coming home” to Greenfield.

Rita enjoyed knitting and donated many items for Warm the Children and mittens for the Survival Center.

Rita and her husband Harry were responsible for the forming of two square dance clubs, the Trailtown Twirlers in Greenfield and the Swinging Sweethearts in Shelburne Falls.  

Rita enjoyed being a volunteer at Franklin Medical Center, now Baystate Franklin, for over 40 years before stepping down in 2015. She loved greeting people and seeing friends both old and new. She also volunteered at the Senior Craft & Gift Shop at the Farren Memorial Hospital many years ago.

A graveside service will take place Wednesday, May 26 at 11:00 am at Calvary Cemetery in Greenfield.

There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested memorial contributions be made to the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter, 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls, MA 01376

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