EXETER, N.H. — Rita A. Poisson, 89, of Ginaco Road in Epping, N.H., and formerly of Oak Park in Lewiston, died Sunday, Dec. 19, at Exeter Hospital following a long illness.

She was born in Lewiston, Jan. 9, 1921, daughter of Adelard and Eva (Duchesneau) Thibault. She was educated in local schools and remained a lifelong resident of this community. She had been living at her son’s home in Epping, N.H., for the past six years.

On July 4, 1942, Rita married Adrien W. Poisson and together they settled in Lewiston to raise their family. He predeceased her on June 3, 1993. For many years Rita worked at the Continental Mill, until it closed, and then she trained to become a CNA and med tech and worked 30 years at the former Marcotte Nursing Home until her retirement in 1984. She was a member of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Ladies of Ste. Anne and Horizons 55.

Among her favorite enjoyments in her free time were bingo, cards, golf cart riding with her son and vacationing in Boothbay Harbor. She was a loving, devoted and hardworking wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed by her family.

She leaves her son, Gerard P. Poisson, and wife, Melody, of Epping, NH; her daughter, Doris Eva Stevens, and husband, David, of Lewiston; three grandchildren, Tony Paine and wife, Cindy, Stephanie Paine, and Gerard Poisson II and wife, Angel; three great-grandsons, Benjamin Paine and Bryce and Tyler Poisson; two sisters, Diane Bernatchez of Westbrook and Lorraine Caron of Lewiston; sisters-in law, Maggie Thibault and Beatrice Thibeault of Lewiston; and brothers-in law, Rosaire and wife, Albertine Poisson, and Lucien Poisson, of Lewiston; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Adrien; son, Maurice; three sisters, Muriel Violette and husband, Phil, Diana Mutty and husband, John, Simone St. Hilaire and husband, Rene; four brothers, Ray, Lionel, Roger, and Rosaire Thibault; a sister-in-law, Lucienne Poisson; and brother-in-law, Tobey Bernatchez.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Poisson family by visiting their guestbook at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com