Rita A. Donnelly

Rita (LaFrance) Donnelly, 88 of 75 State Street, Portland Maine passed away peacefully with her nephew and niece, Fred and Caren-Marie Michel at Mercy Hospital, Portland, Maine on Saturday August 6, 2011.

She was born on September 24, 1922, the daughter of Alfred and Alice (LeBorgne) LaFrance in Westbrook, Maine. She was educated in Westbrook schools and married Leslie Donnelly in Meriden Connecticut on February 17, 1943.

Rita was predeceased by her husband, Leslie in 1985, her sister Irene Michel, and brothers Lionel and Raymond LaFrance. She is survived by her son, David and his wife Judy of Tucson, Arizona, grandchildren Stephanie and Michael of Arizona, and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by nephew Neil LaFrance, and nieces Denise Sawyer, Allison Foley, Andrea LaFrance Mendes, Becky Michel and Roberta Michel and several grand nieces and nephews.

Prior to moving to 75 State Street, she lived at The Deering Pavilion, Portland, Maine and in Tucson, Arizona.

Rita received the President’s Volunteer Service Award and she was well known for her handwork including baby sets, crocheted animals and dolls, slippers, and afghans. Her beautiful handmade items were highly sought after for holiday church fairs and gift giving. She held many jobs ranging from waitressing at Valle’s Restaurant in Portland, Maine, and personal care work for many people, including James Thurber’s sister.

She had a buoyant personality and was loved dearly by her family and friends.

She took to adventure and enjoyed casinos, traveling several times to Las Vegas and Atlantic City and passed her driver’s license in 1964 so she could drive from Tucson to Maine to visit family. She had been very active with Portland Adult Recreation’s trips, Beano, and meals.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Carter at Mercy Westbrook, the doctors, nurses and aides at Mercy Hospital, Portland, Maine for the wonderful care she received. We especially want to thank her caring and loving “extended” family at 75 State Street for years of independent and meaningful living.

There will be no visiting hours.There will be a memorial mass on Wednesday, August 17th at 7:30am at St Anthony's in Westbrook.

Arrangements under the direction of Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland, ME.