AUBURN – Rita I. Auger, 86, of 79 Lake Shore Drive, passed away Thursday afternoon, Aug. 11, with her husband and family at her side.

She was born in Lewiston to Philip and Irene (Gauvin) Dube. Rita graduated from Lewiston High School and Acme Business College.

As a young woman, Rita clerked at her father’s grocery store.

In 1943, she met Arthur P. Auger. They corresponded regularly while he was serving in the European theater. They married Sept. 15, 1948, at St. Mary’s Church in Lewiston.

Rita loved her family, friends, and a gentle chocolate Labrador, KoKo. As guardian of the family, she always cared for relatives, friends, and pets in need any hour of the day and night.

A mother and homemaker, Rita became a charter member of St. Philip’s Church in Auburn. Rita belonged to the C.R.F. (Companionship Remains Forever) Club, a ladies group organized with great school friends.

Her favorite vacation spot was Provincetown, Cape Cod, where she and Arthur often celebrated their wedding anniversary.

Rita will be deeply missed by her husband Arthur P.; a son, Arthur Marc; a niece, Nicki Frye; and many family members.

She was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Lucille; and a brother, Roger.