TURNER – Rita Blaisdell, 77, of Rockwood ended her long goodbye on Jan. 28, 2005, passing on to her heavenly reward. Rita was born in Detroit, Mich., on April l6, 1927, the daughter of the late Wilfred and Marie Ange (Letourneau) Poulin. She was raised and educated in Canada and worked with her family in the hotel business prior to meeting an American woodsman. Rita married James A. Blaisdell on June 1, 1956 and became a devoted homemaker and partner in numerous endeavors. She settled in Frye to raise her family, enjoying the Swift River with her children and their friends. After two years in Florida, Rita and Jim returned to Maine to run Blaisdell’s Discount in Peru. Rita was committed to the family business and the community for 18 years before retiring with her devoted husband in Rockwood. Rita was a remarkable woman blessed with many gifts, which she shared not only with family but with all people whose lives she touched. She was generous, spirited, fun-loving, famous for her “Rita hugs” and a great confidante to many. She shared her joy of life’s smaller pleasures, had tremendous empathy, and sought the good in people reflected by her genuine compliments. Rita’s greatest gift was her ability to love and let people know they had a special spot in her heart, earning her the love and respect of many. Rita will be sadly missed leaving behind to cherish her memory, her beloved husband of 48 years; three daughters, Mary-Frances Blaisdell and her husband, William McGray, of Turner, Patricia Richard and her husband, David, of Rumford, Johanne Blaisdell and her companion, Jeff Adams, of Palmyra; two stepgrandchildren, Todd Porter and Tanya Goff; eight grandchildren: Germaine and Jessica Porter, James, Meagaan, and Sean Irish, Justine McGray, Benjamin Blaisdell, and Taren McGray; a great-grandson, Austin Bennet; two great-stepgrandsons, Tyler McInnis and William Porter; a sister and her husband, Louisette and Yvan Poulin of Ste. Agathe, Quebec; two brothers and their wives, Julien and Jeanne Poulin of Ste. Marie, Quebec and Paul and Micheline Poulin of St. Etienne, Quebec. Rita was predeceased by her brother Claude Poulin. A service will be held later at the family’s convenience. Those who wish may make a donation in Rita’s memory to Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, Lewiston, ME 04243. Anyone who desires to share their “Rita stories” please send to Mary-Frances Blaisdell, 87 Buckfield Rd, Turner, ME 04282 or to blamc@megalink.net. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives, LLC 670 Turner St., Auburn, ME 04210.
RITA BLAISDELL
