OBITUARY

Rita L. Anastasio

June 26, 1924 – December 16, 2020
Play Tribute Movie
×
Tribute Video

Rita L. Anastasio

AUBURN: Rita L Anastasio, 96, of Clover Living Center Auburn Maine, passed away on 12/16/2020 of natural causes. She was born in Rumford Maine on June 26th 1924 daughter of Arsene Leclerc and Roseanna Lantagne Leclerc. After graduating from Stephens High School in 1942 she went to Washington DC where she was employed by the Department of Transportation during WWII, after which she returned to Rumford where she was employed by Western Union. In 1948 she married John Anastasio. Upon the death of her husband in 1953 she went to work for Oxford Paper Company where she worked until her retirement in 1986. As a single mom, much of her time was devoted to raising her two children John and Jean. She also dedicated her time to volunteer services which included CCD, Ladies of Ste. Anne Society, the Cozy Inn, The What Not Shop and Literacy Volunteers. In 1997, Rita was named “ Tutor of the Year” for the State of Maine by the Literary Volunteers of America. She was a lifelong member of the Parish of the Holy Savior in Rumford, Maine. She is survived by her son John Anastasio of Augusta and his wife Paula, her daughter Jean Downs and her husband Gary of Industry, granddaughters Christine Kendall and her husband Jacob, and Kathryn Caiazzo and her husband Antonio, and 6 great grandchildren; a brother Lionel Leclerc, sister-in-law Elaine Anastasio, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband John, brothers Alfred and David Leclerc and sisters Octavie Leclerc and Theresa Justus. The family would like to thank the staff at Clover Living Center, for their compassionate care through the years, especially the staff at the Donegal wing where she was a resident for nearly six years. There will be no services at this time. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the summer of 2021 at the Parish of the Holy Savior followed by interment at St. John’s Cemetery in Rumford. Condolences, fond memories and a tribute video may be shared and viewed at www.sgthibaultfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Rita Anastasio to St Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or to Literacy Volunteers Androscoggin, 51 Westminister St. , Lewiston, Me 04240 or visit their website at http://www.literacyvolunteersandro.org. Arrangements are under the care of S.G. Thibault Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 250 Penobscot St. Rumford, Maine.

SEND FLOWERS Add a
Memory Receive
Notifications

Services

  • There are no services at this time.

Receive
Notifications Show Your
Support

Memories

Rita L. Anastasio

have a memory or condolence to add?

ADD A MEMORY
Donna Landry

December 23, 2020

So sorry to hear of Rita's passing. Rita was such a wonderful lady! I enjoyed spending time with her when I worked at Rumford Community Home and she visited there. Rita was always so energetic and had such a positive attitude that people loved being around her. Rest in Peace Rita, you were a Class Act indeed! Fly high with the Angels. 😇🙏🙏

Doreen Richard Dupuis

December 19, 2020

Rita such a beautiful lady inside and out ..she was my next door neighbor for many years back in the late forties and in fifties when I was very young I babysat John and Jean I think you two will remember. I enjoyed talking with Rita she always had a smile and always glad to see you ! Thinking of you all God Bless

Nicole Donahue

December 19, 2020

We are so sorry to hear of Rita’s passing. She was a wonderful lady - always so kind and generous. I always loved seeing her at family celebrations and parties at her home were always the best! She was an amazing baker and cook! I enjoyed many of her treats over the years. I absolutely loved catching up with her every time I got to see her. She was so good to all of us and she will be missed by many. I very much enjoyed looking through all of these pictures by the way. Wonderful memories and so nice seeing her and Nana enjoying their visits together! Thinking of the Downs & Anastasio families at this difficult time. Sending lots of love to you all.

Andrea Gurney

December 19, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Rita as one of the women my husband Dwight would save a big fish for, that he caught.
I sometimes delivered the fish and Rita was always sweet and friendly. I enjoyed talking with her during those times and when I would shop at the What Not Shop. When our first granddaughter was born, Rita surprised us, by knitting a beautiful Christmas stocking for her.

Elaine McKenna

December 17, 2020

I’m so saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a wonderful, happy lady and so much fun to talk with. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered.

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

Young Leclerc family

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

Young Leclerc family

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

Rita's siblings

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

Rita & John wedding day