AUBURN – Rita G. Desjardins, 80, of 5 Novella St., Lewiston, died Friday, Oct. 17, at Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, following a bout with cancer for the past year and a half.

Born in Biddeford on May 15, 1928, a daughter of Walter and Yvonne Lambert Fournier, she was educated in Lewiston schools.

She was married to Bernard A. Desjardins at Saints Peter and Paul Church on June 12, 1949. He died Oct. 3, 1981.

Rita worked as a saleslady at Lamey Wellehan for more than 37 years and she knew her customers by name, if not by their shoe size. In earlier days, she also worked at Kresge’s and after retirement, she volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital gift shop.

Mrs. Desjardins attended St. Joseph’s Church.

She enjoyed bowling, reading, playing cards and TV, but most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends. Rita, who always thought of others before herself and never complained, will be remembered for her kindness and sense of humor.

Rita is survived by her daughter, Diane N. Desjardins, and her son, Richard L. Desjardins, both of Lewiston; her sisters, Sr. Lucille (Therese) Fournier, O.P., of Sabattus, and Mrs. Robert (Lucille) Gosselin of Davenport, Iowa; her brothers, Leo and Armand Fournier, both of Lewiston; and several nieces and nephews.