Rita Dickstein

Rita Dickstein, obituary photo

Rita Justine Souriolle Dickstein, 93, of Amherst, NH passed away on February 5th, 2023, at her home after a short decline in health.

Rita was born in Manchester on March 6th, 1929, to parents Benjamin Souriolle and Philomene Doyon Souriolle. She lived in Litchfield, graduated in Nashua, and then moved to Amherst in 1953 where she lived for the next 70 years until her passing.

Rita was a hard worker all her life and a loving mom to not only her children but to anybody that entered her home. After graduating, she worked at Sprague Electric in Nashua.

When she married her husband they started a small mom and pop store called Dixie’s Market, and she was by his side keeping that running for just shy of 50 years before they closed it. On top of working in the store, she started working third shift at Hendrix Wire and Cable at the age of 50, and continued to do that for 15 years. After retirement, she did home care for elderly for another 5 years.

Rita was the wife of Maurice Dickstein, better known to people as “Dixie”. They were married on July 29th, 1951, and enjoyed 55 years together until Maurice passed in 2006.

Rita loved people and enjoyed welcoming people into her house. She always had a pot of hot coffee on, and you were always welcome to come share a cup and a good conversation. She loved to knit and go to the gym when she could find the time. She had many friends along the years that would visit daily and enjoy her company and her infectious laugh.

Rita is survived by her son, Steven Dickstein of Wilton NH, daughter Betti Gail Russell of Milford NH, grandson, Seth Alan Russell and his wife Alicia Russell of Milford, NH, granddaughter, Danielle Dickstein, grandson, Eli Dickstein of Mason NH, and great grandchildren, Mason, Wyatt and Annabelle Russell of Milford NH. Rita was predeceased by her sons, David Benjamin Dickstein and Bruce Dickstein, and her sister Irene Lafreniere.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00-4:00pm Saturday, February 18th, 2023, at the VFW Hall in Milford, NH. Family and friends are invited to attend. Cremation Society of New Hampshire is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit https://csnh.com/.