Rita Evelyn Pelletier

Sidney Rita Evelyn Pelletier, 86, of Sidney, died Tues., June 16, 2009 at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Waterville. She was born in Waterville Aug. 27, 1922 the daughter of Frank and Clara Denis Vashon. She attended local schools and married her husband, Joseph Pelletier June 11, 1943. Rita and Joe celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary last week. She and her husband have been proud and active citizens of Sidney since 1976. After 37 years of employment with Keyes Fibre Company Hutamaki, Rita continued sharing her talents on a volunteer basis. As a member of St. Theresa's Parish in Oakland, she taught in their religious education program for several years, a task that she cherished for Rita loved being with children and sharing her faith. Volunteering in the Inland Hospital Gift Shop was also a favorite past time and an opportunity for her to meet new and visit with old friends. Rita along with Joe have been very active with the Blessed Sacrament community and have enjoyed their friendships with the sisters. Two sons, Paul and Joseph Jr. predeceased her. Besides her loving husband, Joe, Rita leaves daughters, Susan Lagasse and companion Jerry Perrier of Oakland and Lucille Phillips and husband Bruce of Sidney; grandchildren include Linda Anderson and husband Norman of Winslow, Carol Fenderson and husband Glenn of Winsor Mills, MD, Tina Garrow of Waterville, and Paul Pelletier of Waterville; two step grandsons, Michael Phillips and family of Brownsville, FL and David Phillips and family of Sidney; ten great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. At Rita's request there will be no visitation hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Fri., June 19, 2009 at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville. Committal prayers and burial will follow in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Grove St. in Waterville. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in her memory may be made to the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 101 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901. Arrangements are with the Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------