AUGUSTA – Rita Beth (Valliere) Roderick, 88, died Oct. 11, 2010. Rita was born Oct. 8, 1922, in Augusta, the daughter of Auguste Valliere and Jeannette (Coulombe) Valliere. She lived in Augusta for most of her life and on Eastern Avenue for more than 60 years. Rita attended St. Augustine Parochial School, and worked at Taylor Shoe and Edwards Mill. She retired from dietetic food services at Togus Veterans Affairs Hospital after many, many years. She was a longtime card game devotee, especially bridge and cribbage. Rita was an avid fisherman and owned a family lot at Cleary Lake, where she fished for bass and white perch every summer season. She raised a huge vegetable garden. She had a smaller garden in her 80s. She also was a very social person who loved swimming at the YWCA. She was married to the love of her life, Octave “Bob” Roderick, in August 1941. They had seven children. Unfortunately, Bob died Nov. 12, 1978. Her youngest child, Michael Roderick died Oct. 16, 2008, at the age of 52. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Beatrice Charrier and Theresa Davis. Rita is survived by six children, Nancy O’Connor and husband, David, of Island Falls, Richard “Ricky” Roderick and wife, Arlene, of Chelsea, Ruth Stoneking of San Diego, Paul Roderick of Augusta, Roger and wife, Cindy Roderick, of South Chadham, Mass., and Peter and wife, Mary Lou Zurlinden, of Brewster, Mass.; sisters, Doris Pridham of Augusta, Irene Whittier of Augusta, Pauline Dickson of Hallowell and Patricia Knox of Augusta; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, who are all scattered across the United States. At the request of the deceased there will be no visiting hours. Interment will be privately done at the Veterans Cemetery, Civic Drive, Augusta, where she will rest next to her beloved Bob. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at American Legion Hall, Eastern Avenue, Augusta. Arrangements by Funeral Alternatives Group, Augusta.
RITA BETH (VALLIERE) RODERICK
