Rita Mary Woodley, a lifelong resident of Franklin, New Hampshire, passed away on August 25, 2026, at the Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen, New Hampshire. She was 79 years old.

Born on October 22, 1946, in Franklin, New Hampshire, Rita was the daughter of Stephen and Olga (Stavro) Robitaille. She was a graduate of St. Mary's School, class of 1960, Franklin High School, class of 1964, and New Hampshire College, class of 1966. She married the love of her life, Thomas Woodley, on her 20th birthday, and they shared a devoted marriage that lasted until his passing last year. Their love and commitment to one another remained at the heart of Rita's life.

She spent her life devoted to the people she loved, and she was, above all, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

Rita had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh. She found her greatest joy in the company of her family. She delighted in time spent with her grandchildren and looked forward to visiting them in Ocean City, MD. She also enjoyed spending time with them in New Hampshire throughout the year. Rita was a renowned chocolate chip cookie baker. Her cookies were a favorite of family and friends, and she made sure to pass along the secret recipe to her grandchildren - a little piece of herself that will live on in their kitchens and family traditions.

Rita enjoyed the simple pleasures of playing cards with her friends and family, reading a good book and taking long walks, activities made all the sweeter by the presence of those she held dear. Her devotion extended to her parents as well, whom she cared for lovingly as they aged, giving of her time and heart without hesitation.

A woman of faith, Rita was a lifelong member of St. Gabriel Parish. She generously offered her time to others, volunteering with St. Mary's School, Veterans Memorial Recreation Area, and the Bread and Roses Soup Kitchen, among other organizations. Her willingness to serve her community reflected the compassion that guided her throughout her life. She was also employed as a secretary at both Tilton School and Franklin Middle School for many years.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Woodley, and by her parents, Stephen and Olga Robitaille. She leaves behind her daughter, Tracey Woodley; her son, Christopher Woodley (Darlah); her grandchildren, Lydia Woodley and Samuel Woodley; her brother, Stephen Robitaille, Jr.; and her sister, Linda Lommen. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the employees of the Merrimack County Nursing Home, especially those who lovingly cared for Rita in the Special Care Unit for their kindness and compassionate care. They are equally grateful to her devoted cousins, Terri Culjat and Jeani Bergeron, who regularly visited and watched over her.

Visitation will take place at Smart Funeral Home on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at St. Gabriel Parish in Franklin, New Hampshire, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 10:00 am, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and commend her soul to God's eternal care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita's memory to the Merrimack County Nursing Home's Edna McKenna Fund, Special Care Unit, 325 Daniel Webster Hwy., Boscawen, NH 03303.

For more information or to leave the family an online, please visit www.smartmemorialhome.com.