Marie-Rita M (Girouard) Gale (1932 - 2012)

Born 18 Feb 1932 in S.t Joseph, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, USA

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Died 4 Apr 2012 at age 80 in Gardner, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States

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Obituary

Rita M. Gale Mother, musician, author, artist ASHBURNHAM -- Rita M. Gale, 80, stepped into God's waiting arms passing from this earth into heaven on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 in Legend Rehab Center Gardner, MA. Rita was born Feb.18, 1932 in Fitchburg, MA, the daughter of the late Arthur and Leah (Leger) Girouard. She was the widow of the late Gene O. (Ted) Gale who passed in 1990. Rita was a multi-talented woman who was a published author, artist, and more notably A Country Western Singer/Guitarist, a passion she shared with her husband on stage for more than 30 years as The Trail Riders and The Galelights. They performed for thousands of adoring fans at countless venues across New England including the Clyde Joy and Willie May Show on WMUR in New Hampshire. They were invited to be special guests to tour with the late Buck Owens and his Buckaroos. Rita also performed for many years as a solo and duet artist in the St. Joseph's Variety Shows in Fitchburg. Of all of Rita's achievements the ones she was most proud of were her children. When her husband passed in 1990, she devoted the remainder of her life to each and every one, never missing a chance to tell and show how much she loved them. Her love of music was proudly passed to all of them each of whom is a musician in their own right. Her sons still perform locally in bands Gale County and Triple Threat. Her daughters CONTINUE to sing and perform when and where busy careers allow. Rita was a homemaker who raised seven children of her own and also cared for many of her grandchildren. Aside from being a professional music performer she was worked at Cushing Academy, Comfort Slipper and Anwelt Shoe along with other various companies to help support her family. Rita was a communicant of St. Denis church in Ashburnham, an active member of the Fitchburg Senior Center where she enjoyed weekly activities took trips and made many loving friendships. She was a lifelong member of the Miraculous Medal Assoc. The St. Jude Society along with many other religious and community groups. She was a former president of the Oakmont Music Parents Association (OOMPA). She attended Mt. Wachusett Community College where she received her GED in her 70s. Rita is survived by her children, Debra Letellier and her fiancé, John Cormier of Fitchburg, Robert Gale and his wife, Valerie of Leominster, Ricky Gale and his wife, Kathleen of Northboro, Russell Gale and his wife, Susan of Ashburnham, DJ Owen and her husband, Alan of Monroe, NC. She was predeceased by two daughters, Donna J. Harding and Diane A. Gale, as well as three sisters Alice M. Lampula, Theresa M. Gilliland, and Jay Shea. She also leaves behind a brother, Clovis (Tex) Girouard and his wife, Victoria of Fitchburg; a sister, Doris "Dotty" DeStadio and her husband, Joseph of Ashburnham; and more than 40 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Rita will be forever missed by those left behind, but they are comforted that those who've gone on before her have welcomed her into heaven.

Sources

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fitchburg/obituary.aspx?pid=156880743 http://www.wrightroyfuneralhome.com/obits/obituaries.php/obitID/554312