Blanche M. ‘Vickie’ LeRiche
1924 – 2009
LEWISTON – Blanche M. “Vickie” LeRiche, 85, a resident of Montello Manor in Lewiston, died Thursday, Nov. 26.

She was born in Drummond, N.B., Canada, Oct. 21, 1924, the daughter of Leonard Edmund Violette and Albertine (Caron) Violette, the eighth of 13 children. When she was young, her family moved to Lewiston, where she attended local schools. Prior to her marriage, she was employed as a telephone operator, a job that she loved and where she made many friends. On Feb. 12, 1949, she married Alfred N. “Freddie” LeRiche Jr. at St. Joseph’s Church in Lewiston. After her marriage, she was a homemaker and loving mother to their 13 children. She was generous and dependable and instilled these values in her children.

She spoke up for what was right and encouraged her children to do the same. She was a firm believer in reading and education. She enjoyed sewing, playing cards, puzzles, family gatherings and camping at Hermit Island. She was close to her sisters who were her best friends.

She was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish and an active member of the Rosary Sodality. After her children were grown, she volunteered and was later employed by St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop.

She is survived by eight daughters, Eileen and husband, Wallace Garroway, of Standish, Gail and husband, James McCourt, of Woolwich, Nancy and husband, John Stern, of Cape Neddick, Carol LeRiche of Lewiston, Karen LeRiche and partner, Lorna Littleway, of New York, N.Y., Debra LeRiche of San Diego, Calif., Catherine and husband, Daniel Boutin, of Litchfield and Cynthia LeRiche of Folsom, Calif.; five sons, Steven LeRiche and partner, Chuck Austin, of North Adams, Mass., Michael LeRiche of Lewiston, Jeffrey and wife, Judy LeRiche, of Burlington, N.C., Brian LeRiche of Canton and James and wife, Laurie LeRiche, of Albany, Ore.; two sisters, Gertrude Murphy of Concord, N.H., and Jeannine and husband, Richard Hess, of Port Edwards, Wisc.; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband on Nov.21, 2004; five sisters; and five brothers.