PORTLAND — Rita Letendre Caron, 86, of Westbrook, died Oct. 3, after spending the day with family and friends.

She was born in Lewiston to Earnest and Rose Letendre on July 19, 1924, one of six children. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1943 and late in life earned an associate degree in business from the University of Southern Maine.

She was married to Laureat J. Caron for 27 years and they raised 11 children together. She was a foster grandparent for many years and was involved in politics.

She will be missed by her sisters, Marguerite Violette, Theresa Canuel and her husband, Omar, Beatrice Leconte and her husband, Normand, and sister-in-law, Jackie Letendre, all of Lewiston; her children, Roger Caron of Lewiston and his wife, Bonnie, Pat Jenkins of Bangor and her husband, Michael, Regina Caron of Idyllwild, Calif., Bea Lane of Raymond, Susan Taliento and her husband, Louis, of Westbrook, Larry Caron and his wife, Brenda, Dan Caron and his wife, Dorene, all of Gorham, Rene Caron, his wife, Cathy, Gerard Caron and his wife, Thea, and Rita Taylor, all of Baltimore, Md., and Ann Foshay of Vassalboro and her husband, Robert; 32 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. We would also like to acknowledge Rena Distasio, a family friend who was like a daughter to Rita.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Alfred Letendre and Benoit Letendre; two grandsons, Josiah Caron and Timothy Foshay; and former husband. Laureat J. Caron.

The family would like to thank the staff of Rocky Hill Manor for all the kindness, support and care given to their mother during the last two years.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Rita’s guest book.