AUBURN – Rita L. Gamache, 88, died at Clover Manor on Friday, March 21, with her four children by her side.

She was born in Lewiston, Dec. 2, 1919, a daughter of Dewey and Marie (Lagasse) Lessard. She was educated in local schools and remained a lifelong resident of the community.

She was married to the late Thomas J. Cunliffe, who died in 1961, then to the late Roland S. Gamache. She was employed at Clark Shoe as a stitcher for many years, then worked at Central Maine Medical Center for the housekeeping department.

She enjoyed bowling and was a member of a bowling league at Holiday Lanes. She loved to sew, was a great cook and enjoyed spending time with family, in particular with her grandchildren.

A great confidant who loved to laugh and spend time with her daughters, she was easy to talk to with a great sense of humor.

She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Patricia Berube and husband, Raymond, of Auburn and Colleen H. Erickson and fiancée, Paul Parent, of Mechanic Falls; two sons, Daniel P. Cunliffe and wife, Dorothy, of Auburn and Michael Cunliffe of Greene; a sister, Fernande Carey of Florida; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a grandson, David Poulin; baby granddaughter, Berube; two sisters, Ailene Lessard and Muriel Robichaud; and three brothers, Paul, Albert and Maurice Lessard.