Rita G. Chretien

Auburn - Rita G. Chretien, age 89, of 297 Randall Rd. in Lewiston and formerly of Begin's Trailer Park in Sabattus where she lived for 32 years, passed away early Sunday morning June 19th at The Hospice House with family at her side. She was born in Black Lake P.Q. Canada July 6, 1921, a daughter of Thomas and Clementine (Poulin) Lessard. She was educated in local schools and remained a lifetime resident of this community. On May 10, 1947, Rita was married to Rene Chretien who predeceased her on April 28, 1999 following 52 years of marriage. She worked many years in the shoe manufacturing industry until her retirement. Rita was a member of the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul. Her most enjoyable times were spent with her family and grandsons. One of the greatest joys she experienced in her life was the birth of her great-grandson, Cole, who had the ability to bring a smile to her face every moment that they were together. She also enjoyed her weekly luncheon get-togethers on Wednesdays at McDonald's with her nieces Jackie and Claudette and friends. She was a loving, devoted and hard-working wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed. She leaves her son Roland Chretien and his wife Connie of Lewiston; three grandsons Jason Chretien and wife Melissa of Bath, Dr. Kevin Chretien of Caen, France andMark Chretien and wife Jillian of Auburn; a great-grandson Cole Chretien and a great-granddaughter soon to be born in August; a sister Doris Bureau of Lisbon; many nieces and nephews and a longtime and special friend Shirley, with whom she enjoyed many hours of friendship and conversation.The family wishes to thank Dr. Jeffrey Brown and staff, Dr. Oscar Cabatingan and staff, and Dr. Roger Austin and all staff at both Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and The Hospice House for their care, compassion and support given to Rita and her family during her illness.Rita was predeceased by her husband Rene Chretien and six sisters Bernadette Gaudette, Corrinne Jacques, Jeanne Perron, Juliette Chasse, Therese Samson and Gertrude Samson; six brothers Ovide, Gerard, Martin, Philippe, Frejus and Armand Lessard. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with Rita's family by visiting their on-line guestbook at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com

Funeral notice: Chretien, Rita G. 6/19/11. Visitation Fortin / Lewiston Tues. 2-4 & 6-8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the upstairs main church at the Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul Wed. 11 AM. Committal to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. Those wishing may make donations in her memory to The Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 236 Stetson Rd. Auburn, ME 04210. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Service, 70 Horton St. LEWISTON, 784-4584 www.thefortingrouplewiston.com