AUBURN – Rita B. Buotte, 78, died Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Clover Health Care in Auburn with her family around her. She was a lifelong resident of Mexico and most recently in Rumford.

Born in Mexico, Aug. 25, 1926, she was the daughter of Leonce and Yvonne (Lemay) Fortier. She attended schools in Mexico and graduated from Mexico High School.

She was a communicant of St. Theresa’s Church and was a member of the Dixfield and Rumford Senior Citizens.

She was a homemaker for many years and then worked at the Cozy Inn Nursing Home until she retired.

She loved her family more than anything and was known as “Memere” by most everyone. She was a doting mother, grandmother, and most recently, great-grandmother. She would be glad to show family pictures to anyone who would look.

She will always be remembered as one of the world’s greatest card players. She always had her cards with her and loved to teach her family and friends new games.

She touched the hearts of all she came in contact with. While living in Rumford she made many new friends and enjoyed going on “Seniors” trips with them, always bringing back a little souvenir.

Survivors include three children; a daughter, Nancy Bouthot and her husband, Steve, of Hollis Center; two sons, John Buotte Jr., and Jeffrey Buotte both of Old Orchard Beach; grandchildren, Josh Bouthot and Trisha of Manchester, N.H., Beth Bouthot of Falmouth, Ben Buotte and Luke Buotte of Saco; great-granddaughter, Lauren Bouthot; three sisters, Mrs. Yvonne Roy of SunCity Center, Fla., Mrs. Louise Sinclair of Mexico and Mrs. Rosanna Duguay of Mexico; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.