LEWISTON – Rita Alice (Bourque) Gagnon, 70, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 25, 2021 in Lewiston, Maine. Rita was born in Lewiston, Maine, on April 6, 1951. She was the eldest child of Robert and Kathleen Bourque. She attended and graduated from the Academy of St. Joseph, in South Berwick, in 1969. In 1973 she married David Gagnon. Together they had three sons Patrick, Scott and Kevin Gagnon. She was employed at and retired from L.L.Bean after 23 years.

Rita was a devoted and faithful member of the Catholic Church. She could be seen and heard, across the twin cities, singing numerous masses, weddings, and funerals. Over the years she participated in many musical groups including The Pineland Community Singers, The Golden Echoes, Magic Pops, RPS and Cornerstone. She also participated in a weekly prayer group. She was an active member of the Supervisory Committee for Maine Family Credit Union. She enjoyed music, genealogy, crafting, being in the sun, and time with her family. She especially loved her time with her grandchildren at “Meme’s Summer Camp.” She will be remembered for her amazing hugs, heartfelt advice, mesmerizing voice, and incredible faith.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, David Gagnon, her sons and their wives; Patrick and Wendy Gagnon, Scott and April Gagnon, and Kevin and Vicky Gagnon. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren; Austin Posnick, Justice Fraser-Gagnon, Autumn Damon and her husband Quentin, Kajha Gagnon, Alana Gagnon, Cullen Gagnon, Narya Gagnon, Braeden Gagnon, Celia Gagnon, and Makenna Gagnon, as well as her three great grandchildren; JP Mandolini, Amara Wyman, and Sawyer Damon. She is survived by her sister Theresa Rioux and husband Mike, her brother Robert Bourque, her sister Rosemary Bourque, her brother Rick Bourque, her brother Joe Bourque and his wife Michelle. She is also survived by a large extended family of uncles, aunts and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents Robert and Kathleen Bourque.

On line condolences can be shared at http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com

Visitation Fortin Auburn Friday Dec. 10, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. Holy Cross Church. Committal will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Homes 217 Turner St. Auburn 783-8545.

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