Rita M. Traft

Rita M. Traft, 68, of Nashua, New Hampshire and formerly of Dorchester, Massachusetts died suddenly at her home on December 18, 2024.

Rita was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on February 17, 1956 and was the daughter of the late Edwin and Marie (McCue) Traft. She received her primary school education from St. Brendon’s Catholic School, and later was a graduate from St. Gregory High School in Dorchester. She continued her education and graduated from Worcester State College with her bachelor’s degree in speech therapy.

Rita spent her career as a speech therapist at the Lighthouse School in Chelmsford for over 40 years. It was there where her passion shined the brightest. Her enthusiasm exceeded not only helping students within the boundaries of speech therapy but from helping them achieve simple, everyday goals up to assisting their integration back into traditional everyday life. She was a helping, caring and compassionate individual who loved her job.

In her free time, Rita was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church where she also volunteered many hours, she enjoyed swimming at her home complex pool and playing numerous games on her iPad. Above all, her most cherished time was spent with her family. She always looked forward to the annual week-long family vacation spent in New Hampshire and holiday or celebration gatherings.

Rita is survived by her siblings, Theresa Cannata and her husband Bob, Michael Traft and his wife Ann Marie, and Kathy Spellman and her husband Ed; her nieces and nephews, Danielle Powell and her husband Mike, Erin Taillon and her husband Jeff, Jackie Spellman, Brian Spellman, and EJ Spellman, Neil Traft and his wife Kat, and Christopher Traft. She is also survived by her great nephews, Alex and Nick Powell.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Franklin and Maureen Traft as well as her niece Mary Kate Spellman.

Relatives and friends are invited to Rita’s visitation on SUNDAY, December 29th from 2 until 5 PM at ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua. Her Funeral Mass will be held on MONDAY, December 30th at 12 Noon at Immaculate Conception Church, 216 E Dunstable Road, Nashua. KINDLY MEET AT CHURCH. Her interment will take place at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita’s name to the Martin Richard Foundation, 1452 Dorchester Avenue, Floor 4, Dorchester, MA 02122-1386.

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