1932 – 2014

AUBURN — Rita B. Cyr, 82, of Lewiston, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 5, surrounded by her family and friends at the Hospice House in Auburn.

Rita was born Jan. 16, 1932, in Berlin, N.H., to Adolph and Martha Brault. She grew up in Bath before settling in Lewiston. There, she met her husband and the love of her life, Roland Cyr, and they were married at St. Peters Basilica. Together, they shared the next 64 years.

Rita was a woman of endless passion and energy. Her journey began as a stay-at-home mom. Then, Rita and Roland began a series of entrepreneurial endeavors, helping her family operate the Rollodrome and The Four Seasons campground in Naples. Later, Rita began bar tending at the Lewiston Raceway, and then took her skills to Lost Valley Ski Area, where she helped to open the Brookside Lounge. She retired in 1997.

Rita was the queen of entertaining and well-known in the community. Whether she was hosting afternoons of cards with “the girls,” or her annual holiday open house, golfing, bowling or volunteering, Rita had a dazzling and outgoing personality, and brought life to any room she entered. To say many loved her is an understatement. She will be strongly missed and always remembered in the city of Lewiston.

Rita, (or Nana to many) is survived by her two sons, a daughter and their families, Suzanne (Hyde) and her husband, Alan, of Trumbull, Conn., Paul and his wife, Ruth, of Washington, N.C., Michael and his wife, Anna, of Leeds; and her grandchildren, Mallory, Ashley, Aaron and Maisy. She is also survived by her Godchild, June Brault Laverdiere of Lewiston.

Rita was predeceased by her husband, Roland Cyr; her parents; her brother Robert Brault; and her sister, Claire Detz.

You are invited to share your condolences with the Cyr family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.