Rita T. Richard

Rita T. Richard, 97, a lifelong resident of Sanford, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, April 22, 2023. She was born on November 5, 1925, to the late Philip and Antonia (Cloutier) Thereault in Sanford where she grew up and attended local schools. She was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church. When she couldn't attend mass in person, she enjoyed watching it on television. Rita was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella, an organization dedicated to charitable works and service to the church. Rita had a fun side too, with a love of playing cards, particularly push poker. She was also an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed following the team's ups and downs. Above all, Rita was a caring mother and grandmother, always putting her family's needs before her own. She cherished her children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them. She was a loyal friend, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear She is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Leo P. Richard, and a sisters Pauline Theriault and Beatrice Richard. Survivors include three sons, Roland Richard and his wife Mary of Chicopee, MA, Raymond Richard and his wife Jane of GA, and Ronald Richard of Sanford, a sister Rejeanne Dubois of Alfred, Albert Theriault of VA, and Joseph Terry of CA, nine grandchildren and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 1st, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, 66 North Ave, Sanford, Maine. Burial will be immediately following at St. Ignatius Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. To leave a message of condlolence click on Rita's Remember Page.