Rita A. (Vaillancourt) Lukala, 94
Long-time area resident

MILFORD - Rita A. (Vaillancourt) Lukala, 94, of Milford, formerly of Ashburnham, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, in Milford Regional Medical Center, after an illness.

She was born on Aug. 20, 1913, in Fitchburg, the daughter of Joseph and Susan (McCue) Vaillancourt and lived in Ashburnham most of her life.

Rita had worked at the former Independent Lock Co. of Fitchburg and then went to work at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, as a housekeeper for over 20 years before her retirement in 1993.

She had been an avid bingo player throughout the local area. She enjoyed crocheting, traveling and going to the movies. Rita was a long-time member of the Friendship Club in Westminster and the Westminster Senior Center. She was a member of St. Denis Church in Ashburnham.

Rita leaves her daughter, Beverly and her husband, David Reilly of Easley, S.C.; her son, David Lukala of Gardner; two grandchildren, Susan VanderWende and Kristopher Reilly, both living in California; along with several nephews and nieces. She also leaves her caregiver, Diane White-Pelosi of Bellingham. Her husband of 61 years, Eino Lukala, died in 1998.

Lavery Chartrand & Alario Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.