Sr. Rita B. Pay, pm

Sister Rita Pay, p.m. (Priscille-Marie) of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, died at the age of 91 on September 13,2026 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire.

Born in Rochester, New Hampshire, on February 14, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Patrick Pay and Yvonne (Boulet) Pay. She professed her vows as a Sister of the Presentation of Mary in Hudson, New Hampshire, on August 15, 1955.

Throughout her religious life, Sr. Rita served her community in numerous leadership roles, including formation director, local superior, provincial councilor as well as school principal.

 Students and staffs in New Hampshire and Rhode Island received her guidance and valued her understanding as did the young women aspiring to become Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. Later in life she welcomed infants and young children at Casa Esperanza in Houston, Texas. After Texas she was assigned to Our Lady of Hope House of Prayer, offering prayer and hospitality to retreatants. Throughout many years she inspired and led the associates in the Marie Rivier Association. In recent years she gladly received the volunteers from St. Anselm College into her circle of friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Yvonne Pay, as well as her siblings Lillian, Paul, and Donald. She is survived by her sisters, Margaret, Constance, Patricia, Elaine, Shirley, Doris, and her brother Armand. She was the beloved aunt to many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. She was also the dear friend of many and leaves a legacy of love to those whose lives she touched.

The wake will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua, NH 03062 followed at 11:00 a.m. by the Mass of Christian Burial. A private burial will be held at Presentation of Mary Cemetery in Hudson, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Presentation of Mary, Attn: Retirement Fund, 495 Mammoth Road, Manchester, NH 03104.