Rita M. Perkins

Seabrook - Rita M. Perkins, a beloved and longtime resident of Seabrook, peacefully passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on October 30, 1933, in Haverhill, MA, she was the eldest child of the late Francis and Stella (Arcand) Kelleher. She always had a special close relationship with her father, whom she loved dearly. Rita played a vital role in her family, helping to raise her younger brothers and sisters. Over the years, she held various positions, including working as a bartender in Amesbury. She would always say “I made good tips cause I made good drinks”. She also worked at Bailey Shoe Corporation in Amesbury, and in a factory manufacturing the first color televisions. Rita shared over 60 beautiful years of marriage with her husband, Donald A. Perkins Sr., who sadly passed away in 2019. He was the love of her life, and there wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t miss him terribly. Together, they were loving parents to eight children. Who then blessed them with 38 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rita, or as they call her, “Big Nana” was so happy when her grandchildren were around; her face would light up when she would see one running in the door. They always filled her heart with love and her home with laughter. Rita’s day always started with a Dunkin Donuts coffee. It didn’t matter whether it was raining buckets or a blizzard outside; she was up at the crack of dawn and having Donald wheel her out to the truck. One morning they woke up to 4 feet of snow, and her husband turned to her and said, “How the heck am I gunna get you to the truck?” And Rita replied, “I don’t care if you gutta put skies on this thing; just get me there!”. They certainly made everyone around them laugh with their back-and-forth banter. After they got their coffees, they found joy in taking leisurely morning rides along the beach and watching the sunrise. Rita really enjoyed listening to music and dancing, particularly with her husband Donald. They sure could cut a rug back in the day and would frequent jamborees at the Clover Club with the kids. She was a big Elvis fan and would go with her husband and sisters to see Elvis impersonators. She absolutely loved elephants and had a beautiful collection of them from family and friends over the years. Rita had a heart of gold and was a nurturing presence in her community, offering motherly care to those around her. She was friendly, talkative, and enjoyed sitting at the top of her driveway, people-watching. She had a love for the sun, and on a warm day, she would be outside in the yard tending to her flowers or on the back deck soaking up the rays. She always looked forward to the annual trips up north to the mountains with her husband, Katherine, Harry, and their families. Rita always had a good laugh with her old pal Mary Jane. She liked playing Yahtzee and watching Wheel of Fortune on a daily basis. She also loved a good game of 45's, where if she didn’t win the pot and her husband did, she was still taking half. “Tougher than a bag of hammers,” she showed incredible strength and resilience in overcoming numerous challenges in her life. She was loved more than words can express, and she will be deeply missed by so many. Left to cherish her memory are her sons Donald Jr., Steve, and Rick Perkins, and daughters Carol Nichols and Helyn Perkins. Rita is also survived by her siblings Robert Kelleher and Shirley Starbird, grandchildren Toni Valli, Jeffrey Lennox, Georgie Eaton, Eric and Jessica Jones, Michael and Daniel Sodoyer, Miryah Mejia, Kirsten and Brooklyn Perkins, Jasmine Peverley, Ricky Donahue, Tabitha Perkins, Donald Perkins lll, great-grandchildren Audrina and Gianna Martinez, Gavin Jones, Jayden Lennox, Josh and Emily Valli, Breanna, Georgie lll, Addison, and Noelle Eaton, Zakary, Kody, Dante, and Kayden Sodoyer, Nina Carter, Bubba Pimentel, Yoryi, Keiyani and Keimyah Mejia. Additionally, she is remembered by her dear sister-in-law Katherine Nedeau, daughter-in-law Michelle Goff Savina, grandson-in-law Shawn Valli, daughter-in-law Linda Perkins, many extended family members, and countless friends. In addition to her beloved husband Donald and her parents, Rita was predeceased by her sons Kevin and Francis Perkins, daughter Cynthia Sodoyer, grandson Jonathan Jones, siblings Pat Kelleher, Walter Kelleher, Helena Merill, Annie Barenstein, Linda Kelleher, Marie Kay, and her favorite sister Mary Perry, who passed on the same day as her, March 8, 1988, and her best friend Peter LeClair. Services for Rita and her son Francis will be held at Brook of Hope, 49 New Zealand Road, Seabrook, NH, on March 22nd at 2:00. Food and refreshments will be offered after the service. Followed by a celebration of life held at Bobby Lennox house. Please join us in honoring the lives of two very special people who will be missed dearly.

Rita M. Perkins

October 30, 1933 - March 8, 2024