Rita Lucia Dube

She died of metastasized breast cancer to the bones. She fought a courageous battle 7 years ago when she was first diagnosed with cancer. In February, she received the news that the cancer had returned. Rita was a woman of great strength, courage, bravery and faith. It is her faith that sustained her throughout her life but especially the last few months. She taught us all many lessons in living and dying.

Born in Lewiston Maine in 1942, daughter of Jeannette Nadeau and Olivier Saucier. She was the 3rd of 5 children.

She was married to her husband Paul, the love of her life for 62 years. Together they raised 4 children residing most of their lives in Lewiston.

She and her husband owned Dube Travel Agency from 1962. Their travel business had 7 branches at one time and is one of the longest lasting travel agencies in New England. They have traveled and seen the marvels of the world for over 60 years. In 2017 they purchased a small motel and home on Bailey Island.

She is a 1961 graduate of St. Dominic High School.

Rita was involved in fundraising for nonprofits for over 50 years and has successfully raised several millions of dollars for numerous organizations and projects.

She was employed at St Dominic High School from 1985 to 1993 as Alumni Relations and Development Director. This was followed by 8 years as the Development Director at the YWCA of Lewiston/Auburn where she raised a million dollars for a new pool.

Her biggest and most successful project is the Franco-American Heritage Center (former St. Mary’s Church) where she was a member of the founding Board of Directors and its executive director. She led the organization for over 12 years and during that time helped raise over 6 million dollars to create a legacy for the Lewiston-Auburn community and Franco-American population of Maine. The center has been claimed to be one of the most beautiful community assets the city has seen and is a tribute to her ancestors. The Board of Directors dedicated the Franco-American Heritage Museum in her honor in 2018. A legacy she was extremely proud of.

She was a dedicated volunteer for many organizations and very involved in the community. Some of her affiliations and achievements included:

Member of Governors Maine State Museum Commission, President of St Mary’s Patronesses, Lewiston Library Community Visioning Committee Member, St. Mary’s Mission and Community Relations Committee, St Mary’s Foundation Board Member, Central Maine Medical Center Corporator, President of Lewiston Auburn Jaycees Wives, Homemakers Board Member, Founding Member of Lewiston Public Library/Auburn Public Library Arts Association, St Joseph’s School Board Member, St Dominic HS Booster Club Coordinator, Chairman of the March of Dimes Mothers March, Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph’s and Prince of Peach Parish, Development Committee for St Marten De Porres Shelter, Co-Chair of the City of Lewiston Downtown Tomorrow Committee, and Prince of Peace Finance Committee. In addition, she provided pro-bono consulting services on fundraising to many non-profit organizations.

For 42 years she and her family did a huge Christmas project for the needy called “Happy Birthday Jesus” and delivered hundreds of gifts each year to those in need in the community. She worked nearly the entire year long preparing for this event. Family and friends took part in, wrapping and sorting all the gifts. On Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, she and her husband dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, with their kids as elves, they would deliver the gifts.

She has received the following awards and recognitions:

Twice was the recipient of the Community Service Leadership Award from the Chamber of Commerce, Citizen of the year presented by Mayor John Jenkins, Inductee into the Franco-American Hall of Fame in Augusta, Modern Woodmen of America Hall of Fame, Nominee for the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame, as well as her most recent recognition for Lifetime Achievement from St. Dominic RHS.

One of her favorite pastimes was quilting. She also enjoyed painting and reading and spending time with her family.

She was predeceased by her two sisters Jeanine Dubois, Cecile Croteau and her brother Paul Saucier.

She leaves behind her husband Paul and 4 children, Christopher Dube and wife Laurie of Topsham, Katherine Morin and husband Craig of South Portland, Jennifer Charboneau and husband Nicholas of Brunswick and son Nicolas Dube of Brooklyn, N.Y., 10 Grandchildren Timothy, Gregory, Bethany, Gabrielle, Michelle, Peter Dube, Abigail and Benjamin Morin, and Emma and Ava Charboneau. Her brother Normand Saucier and wife Dorothy, Sister-in-law Gwen Saucier, brother in laws Richard Dube, Bernard Dube S.D.B, Philip Dube and wife Claudette, Fr. Emile Dube, George Dubois and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Chans Hospice Service for their wonderful care. We would also like to give an extra special and heartfelt Thank you to Heather Travis, Rita’s niece who is a nurse practitioner for taking such loving and tender care of her aunt during her last days.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday April 9th from 4:00 PM- 7:00 PM at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 217 Turner Street, Auburn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday April 10th at 11:00 AM at The Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, Lewiston. For those who are unable to attend in person, the Mass will be live streamed by visiting princeofpeace.me Burial will follow in St. Peters Cemetery, Lewiston.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rita’s memory to the Franco American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar St, Lewiston, ME 04240, or to www.cognitoforms.com/saintdominicregionalhighschool/pledgeformstdominicregionalhighschool