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SHREWSBURY, Mass. – Rita M. King Landry, a longtime resident of Shrewsbury, died Dec. 31 at Worcester Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, surrounded by family. She was 95.
Landry was born May 25, 1917, in Worcester to Alfred and Minnie Christian King. She worked as a pharmacy clerk for many years. In 1935, Landry was a Miss America finalist in Atlantic City, N.J.
She enjoyed seeing new places and experiencing different cultures, her family said. She traveled extensively until the last few years of her life.
Landry enjoyed spending time with her children and their spouses as well as her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to entertain and cook and was devout in her Catholic faith, her family said.
She is survived by two sons, John H. Landry, of Maryland, and Paul L. (Donna) Landry, of Sturbridge; three daughters, Carol A Mercurio, with whom she lived, Judith E. Laukaitis, of Auburn, and Joyce M. Lovoie, of Dorchester; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Leon H. Landry, who died Nov. 4, 2003, and by two sisters, Gladys Kavoogian and Doris Orfalea.
Visitation is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Mercadante Funeral Home and Chapel in Worcester. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church in Shrewsbury. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne's Church Human Services, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
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