Col. Rita B. Carter

[ironputts]

February 3, 2020

Col. Rita B. Carter
Wing Headquarters Squadron
New Hampshire Wing

Rita B. Carter

The matriarch of the family, Rita B. Carter, 92, of the Jordan Road, and a lifelong resident of Keene, passed away peacefully on Oct. 30, 2018.

Her parents, Adelard Philip and Ora M. (Genest) Brousseau, proudly welcomed their daughter into the world in Keene on June 14, 1926. In later years, Rita would always joke about the fact the city displayed the American flag for her birthday, which was Flag Day. She attended Wheelock and Franklin Elementary Schools, and was a 1944 graduate of Keene High School.

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Rita served in the U.S. Army Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II.

Although being a mother and homemaker was her main focus in her life, Rita also found herself outside of the home, working as a telephone operator with New England Telephone from 1947-1951; then from 1951-1953 with Bowman Flying Service Inc., and later with Cheshire Airways Inc. from 1978-1982.

Rita was devoted to the Civil Air Patrol and helping others in need. She was a longtime member of the group starting in 1943, and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. Rita held a private pilot's license well into her 80's, and flew many search and rescue missions for lost hunters and downed aircraft.

From 1965-1989, Rita was a member of the New Hampshire Headquarters of the Wing CAP Radio Net Control (Profile 12), and was awarded the HQ. New Hampshire Wing CAP Senior Member of the Year in 1976; the HG. Northeast Region Communicator of the Year in 1980; and she also received several meritorious service awards and commendations over the years.

Rita is survived by her daughters, Lauren R. "Laurie" Carter of Keene and Cheryl A. "Cherie" Simpson of Sanford, Maine; her son, Scott T. Carter of Keene; her stepson, Greg H. Carter of Fitzwilliam; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many extended members of her family. Rita was predeceased by her husband, former city councilman, Raymond H. "Nick" Carter, in 1997; a daughter, Donna M. Shields; an infant son, Jon Winslow Carter; and a brother, Donald D. Brousseau.