LEWISTON – Rita M. Beaulieu, 85, of 4 Pond View Court in Turner, passed on peacefully with her family by her side early Saturday, Feb. 2, at d’Youville Pavilion after a long and arduous battle with chronic pulmonary and cardiac-related diseases.

She was born in Lewiston on Sept. 2, 1922, the daughter of the late Ludger and Alma (Saindon) Beaulieu and was educated at St. Louis School. On Jan. 29, 1944, she married Roger L. Beaulieu and remained his loving, caring wife until his death eight weeks ago on Dec. 6, 2007. She worked for more than 30 years at Clark Shoe as a “rougher,” four years as a chef at Mr. Bernard’s School cafeteria and 10 years as housekeeper at Hairbenders.

Mom was an “angel of compassion” who lovingly cared for her children, grandchildren and extended family and friends. She was appreciative of all who gave her comfort and care during her last three years and was the happiest when she could sew, cook traditional French foods and make her famous fudge and candies for all to enjoy. She enjoyed her newest hobby, assembling jigsaw puzzles while appreciating the beautiful scenery from her livingroom window.

She is survived by her loving children; a son, Roger Beaulieu Jr. and wife, Jane, of Manor, Pa., and her daughter, Nancy Bedard and husband, Lucien, of Turner; five grandchildren, Shandra Bishop and husband, John, of Auburn, Trisha Cote and husband, Ricci, of Turner, Kyle Bedard and wife, Christine, of Lewiston, Jim Beaulieu of Germantown, Md., and Kevin Beaulieu and wife, Karie, of Peterborough, N.H.; eight great-grandchildren, Jordan and Hunter Bishop, Madison and Brianna Cote, Cody and Cameron Bedard and Wyatt and Owen Beaulieu; a sister, Cecile Tozier of Auburn; and a brother, Reginald Beaulieu and wife, Theresa, of Auburn.

She was predeceased by brothers, Ludger Beaulieu, Gerard Beaulieu and Lionel Beaulieu; and sisters, Annette Desjardins and Alliette (Marie) Therriault.

The family wishes to thank Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, especially Julie Swift, Interim Health Care, St. Mary’s C-2 staff, and most of all Dr. Jeff Brown for all his care and comfort. A very special loving thank-you goes to Rita’s godchild and niece, Diane Braley for all her caregiving, support and love during Mom’s last years.