Elaine K Rieter

Elaine K. (Chartier) Rieter, age 84, of Littleton, MA died at home peacefully on Monday, July 24, 2017. She was the beloved wife of the late Howard L. Rieter, Sr. who passed in 2009.

Elaine was born on July 30, 1932 in Taunton and was the daughter of the late George and Jemima Grace (Jamieson) Chartier. She was a graduate of Taunton High School and received her Associate's Degree in Commercial Science from Boston University. Elaine worked as a secretary and staff photographer for Mutual Boiler & Machinery Insurance Co. and for the Littleton Public schools as secretary to the school psychologist. She was last employed by Digital Equipment Company until her retirement.

She was a devoted wife and mother who raised her young family while supporting her husband's career in the Aerospace industry, moving around the country before settling in Littleton in 1968. Elaine was a devout Catholic and a dedicated member of St. Anne's Parish for over forty years. She always helped people in her community and was a strong advocate for those with mental health issues. Elaine and Howard welcomed many into their home for Bible Study to share their faith and commitment to God. Photography was a passion, professionally and personally. She loved taking pictures of family, friends and travels. She was an accomplished seamstress and knitter. She will be remembered as an excellent cook who enjoyed gathering her family and friends around the table. Everyone was always welcome at her home.

Elaine is survived by her loving children, Karen Rieter-Barrett and her husband, Daniel of Tucson, AZ, and their children; Nathaniel, and his wife Heather and new daughter Lyla, Rebekah, Aaron, Ann Marie, and Karina; Suzanne Rieter and her husband, Michael Shea of Chester, NH and their children; Beryl, and her husband, Andrew, and Erick; Lisa Rieter of Londonderry, NH and her children; Mark and Julia; Wendy Cowen of Acton and her children; Isaiah, Samuel, and Elijah Gomez; Howard Rieter Jr., and his wife Lori, and their children; Carly and Ella of Maynard; and great-granddaughter, Abigail MacWilliam.

Elaine is further survived by her longtime care provider Rose Abankwa and her family of Worcester. Rose's loyalty, compassion and love were instrumental in allowing Elaine to enjoy her last years in her own home.

A Funeral Mass for Elaine will be celebrated on Monday, July 31st in St. Anne's Catholic Church, 75 King Street, Littleton at 11:30 AM. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 30th in the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton from 4 – 7 PM. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Elaine's memory to the MGH PD Lewy Body Fund, MGH Development Office, ATTN: Tricia Keck, Suite 1310, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114 or to the Covenant House of New York, 401 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10001.