Rita Crete

HOLYOKE- Rita (Hebert) Crete, 96, died as she lived-gently- at Holyoke Health Care Center on Sunday, September 15, 2013, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 15, 1917, in Troy, New York, she moved to Holyoke as a young Child with her mother, Irene Hebert and her grandparents. Her father, Maximillian Hebert, died before her birth. At 15 she attended hairdressing school after which, with her mother, she operated Rita’s Beauty Shop on Cabot St. in Holyoke until her mother’s death in 1940. She was a Stanley Home Products dealer for 42 years, retiring in 2007 at age 90. She enjoyed attending their conventions, and every year looked forward to hosting her Stan Home Christmas parties, many of which were held at Delany House. She always looked for the positive in life and never had a bad word to say about anyone. She was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Church in Holyoke and a member of Children of Mary and Ladies of St. Anne. She was predeceased in 1983 by her husband of 39 years, Adrien J. Crete, and by many dear friends and extended family. She leaves four children; Adrien A. Crete of Northampton, Rene Crete and his wife Liz of Belchertown; Irene Barlow and Raymond Crete both of Holyoke; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2013 from 4-7PM at Messier Funeral Home, 1944 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. The funeral will begin on Friday, September 20, 2013 at 9:30AM from the funeral home and be followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11AM in Immaculate Conception Church, 54 N. Summer Street, Holyoke. The Rite of Committal and Burial will be in Precious Blood Cemetery, South Hadley. If friends desire, memorial donations in Rita’s name may be made to Beacon Hospice, 815 Worcester St., Springfield, MA, 01151. Please visit www.brunellefuneralhome.com for more details.