1929 – 2014

LEWISTON — Rita M. Brunelle, 85, of Lewiston, died Tuesday, Oct. 14, at her home, following a brief illness.

She was born in Lewiston on Aug. 6, 1929, to Arthur E. Lessard and Bella E. Maillette. Rita attended Holy Family School, graduating from eighth grade in 1942, and was a member of the Lewiston High School Class of 1946.

In February 1947, she went to work at Davis Cadillac as a secretary. She married Robert L. Brunelle of Auburn on Aug. 6, 1955. In 1958, after working for 11 years, she left to have a baby — their only child. She returned to work part-time when called upon to give a helping hand.

Rita belonged to the Kiwannienne’s, the Central Maine Medical Center Women’s Association and served as a corporator at CMMC. She was a member of Holy Cross Church, Prince of Peace Parish.

Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Robert L. Brunelle, of Lewiston; son, Marc and wife, Susan, of Kennebunk; one grandson, Joseph “Joey,” of San Francisco; and one granddaughter, Jessica, of Boston. She is also survived by one sister, Pauline Pelletier; a niece, Diane Lamoreau and her husband, David; and two nephews, Paul Pelletier and his wife, Terri, and Roger Pelletier and his wife, Elizabeth; as well as special great-grandnieces and -nephews.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.albert-burpee.com.