Lewison, ME - Rita Marguerite (Ruest) Sanipas, 90, went to be with the Lord on February 28, 2026. Born April 21, 1935, in St. Leonard, New Brunswick, Canada, Rita later made her home in Lewiston, Maine. Beloved and honest, she carried herself with a steady strength and a heartfelt devotion that shaped everyone lucky enough to know her. After this introduction, “Rita” is best remembered for the way she made people feel—welcomed, seen, and loved.
Born in St Leonard, New Brunswick, Canada, she grew up in Van Buren, Maine. As a young adult, she worked the blueberry fields with her father and helped grow potatoes—work that reflected her grounded nature and the quiet determination that would remain with her all her life.
When her children were younger, she worked in the Lewiston–Auburn area for Etonic Footwear, as well as a few hand-sewing shoe shops. Still, the role closest to her heart was being a stay-at-home mom, building a warm home with steady hands and an open heart.
Rita married George Sanipas on April 2, 1955, and they spent 41 years together before his passing. She lovingly raised eight children and countless grandchildren, and she was always present for events and holidays with her family—showing up, cheering on, and holding traditions close. Her wit, along with her beautiful and sassy spirit, was part of the joy she brought into every room.
Rita adored Elvis and held her faith close. She was very religious and a communicant of Holy Family Church in Lewiston. She also loved the simple comforts of everyday life: Hallmark and Lifetime movies, reading, and soap operas. Later in life, she took up line dancing and bingo with her friends from Meadowview Apartments—finding fun, friendship, and laughter in the moments that mattered.
She was predeceased by her husband, George J. Sanipas; sons, George J. Sanipas Jr (Pamela), Norman L. Sanipas, and Leo R. Sanipas; daughters, Carline E. Maroon (Michael) and Carol B. Sanipas; granddaughters, Destiny and Christina; sister, Theresa Nadeau; and brother, Rene Ruest. She is survived by her children, Clarence W. Sanipas (Bridget), Sandra D. Labbe (John), and Jeffrey S. Sanipas. She also leaves behind her fifteen grandchildren Buddy, Robin, Tonya, Trisha, Amy, John, Nichole, Brandon, Travis, Jessie, Wayne, David, Amber, Nicholas and Jewel as well as numerous great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on March 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway, Lewiston, Maine. A Funeral Service will follow on March 10, 2026, at 12:00 pm, also at The Fortin & Pinette Group. Committal Prayers will be held on March 10, 2026, at 1:00 pm at St Peter Cemetery, Deer Road, Lewiston, Maine. Rita will be laid to rest at St Peter Cemetery, Deer Road, Lewiston.
The family offers heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St Mary’s d’Youville for their care and kindness.
