FARMINGTON – Rita F. Bonnevie, 84, of Jay, died Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, after a sudden illness with her family at her side.

She was born Jan. 4, 1924, at the Fournier family home in Jay, one of 12 children of Adelaid and Diana (Simoneau) Fournier. She received her education in Jay schools and on Jan. 19, 1946, at St. Rose of Lima Church, married the “love of her life,” Raymond Bonnevie, on her parents’ wedding anniversary.

Years ago, she had been employed at Dreamland movie theater and later was a cashier at Bill & Sim’s in downtown Chisholm. She was a devoted homemaker and took great pleasure in caring for her whole family.

She was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church, Jay. Her hobbies included cooking and baking and watching sports on television. Her quiet kindness and selfless approach to living her faith are a legacy to her family and those honored to call her “friend.”

She is survived by her son, Richard Bonnevie and his wife, Diane, of Jay; two brothers, Adrian Fournier “Drig” and his wife, Rita, of Lewiston and Laurier “Larry” Fournier and his wife, Jeanette, of Phoenix, Ariz.; three sisters, Marie Bonnevie of Woodland Nursing Home, Hallowell, Jill Deane and her husband, Lester, of Jay and Anne Cyr of Livermore Falls; two grandsons, Mark Bonnevie and his wife, Tina, and their children, Mallory and Zachary, all of Jay and Troy Bonnevie and his wife, Dixie, and their children, Sydney and Shayna, all of Jay; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond on Feb. 14, 1986; and siblings Robert Fournier, Rene Fournier, Lawrence Fournier, George Fournier, Norman “Lefty” Fournier and Joan Pineau.

Her family is grateful for the wonderful nursing care given to her and compassion shown to all of them in the new Comfort Room on the third floor at Franklin Memorial Hospital.