Rita Erickson O'Donnell

Rita M. O’Donnell, 92, of Berlin, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025 at the Androscoggin Valley Hospital, following a brief illness. She was born in Berlin, NH on July 23, 1933, the eldest child of Alfred and Gabrielle (Carrier) Halle and was a lifelong resident. A graduate of Notre Dame High School, Class of 1951, Rita began her career at St. Louis Hospital, working in the admissions and business office for several years. She later went on to serve as Benefits Administrator for the Brown Company and subsequently James River Corporation, where she was known for her dedication and kindness.

A lifelong and devoted communicant of St. Kieran Church, now Good Shepherd Parish, Rita was actively involved in numerous parish activities. Following the closure of St. Kieran, she became one of the original organizers of the St. Kieran Center for the Arts. She was also a longtime volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop and Androscoggin Valley Hospital, giving generously of her time to her community.

Rita cherished travel and shared many memorable adventures with her late husband, Jim, traveling throughout Europe and enjoying cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska, creating treasured memories along the way. She was an avid reader who enjoyed crossword puzzles, knitting, playing cards and trips to the Casino. Above all, Rita was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her family was the greatest joy of her life.

She is survived by her four children: Susan Plourde and her husband Roger of Hermon, ME; Laurie Bryant and her husband Ed of Berlin, NH; Diane Stroud and companion Don of Tilton, NH; and Brian Erickson and his wife Laurie of Vero Beach, FL; her grandchildren Jason Dubord and his wife Kim, Jonathan Erickson and his fiancee Jessi, David Bryant and his wife Hannah, Jordan Erickson and companion Tiffany, and Brianna Bryant and companion Kris; six great-granddaughters: Madison, Paytin, Allison, Trinity, Maggie and Ember; an aunt Theresa Lareau of FL; a very dear friend, Olive Lacroix, of Berlin; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her first husband, Eugene Erickson and her second husband, James O’Donnell; an infant daughter, Kim Erickson; her sister, Irene Canavan; and her brother, Raymond Halle.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday December 4, 2025 at 10 AM at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Ave., Berlin, with interment following at St. Kieran Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 1-3 & 6-8 pm, at the funeral home. Donations in Rita’s memory may be made to St. Kieran Center for the Arts, 155 Emery St., Berlin, NH 03570 or Northwoods Cancer Survivors, 24 ½ Wood St., Berlin, NH 03570. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.