Rita Ann Hoover, 89, of Milford, NH, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026. She was born on July 25, 1937, in Ayer, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late George McDowell and Annie (Burrill) McDowell. She grew up in West Groton and graduated from Groton high school in 1955. She met her beloved husband Charles Hoover at a dance at Fort Devens and they were married on December 8, 1956. They shared 62 wonderful years of marriage together.

Rita worked as a secretary before her two daughters were born, but her dream and calling was to be a full-time Mom. Family was the most important aspect of her life. She was a devoted and loving mom, sister, wife, aunt, and cousin, but her most treasured position in life was Nana. Her grandchildren, and great-grandson Elliott, meant the world to her. Rita loved spending time with all of her family and kept up to date with everyone’s lives. A talented seamstress, she loved to make clothes for her daughters and later dresses for her granddaughters. She also enjoyed knitting and baking. Everyone looked forward to the delicious pumpkin bread she baked by the dozens during the holidays. Her warmth, kindness and love will be dearly missed by many generations of family and friends.

Rita was also a member of the Milford Garden Club and volunteered with the SHARE Outreach organization in Milford, NH.

In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by her husband, Charles Hoover, her sister, Betty Mulligan, and her nephew Kevin Mulligan.

She is survived by her daughters, Sheryl Diamond and her husband, Dave, and Kryssi Lemasson; her brother Thomas McDowell and his wife Kathy, her grandchildren, Jessica Lemasson, Joshua Lemasson and his wife, Eliana, Travis Lemasson, Victoria Rogers and her husband, Valentine, Alex Diamond and his wife, Cally, and Katherine Diamond; her great-grandchildren, Elliott, Eva, Maxine, and Connor; and numerous dearly loved cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to SHARE Outreach organization in Milford, NH.

SERVICES: Friends and family are respectfully invited to attend visitation at Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock Street, Nashua, NH, on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM followed by a family lead memorial service. Family and friends are welcome to share their memories. Burial will be held at a future date.

Arrangements are in the care of Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock Street, Nashua, NH. An online guestbook is available at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com or by calling (603) 883-3401.

“ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER.”