Rita 20060312 Obituary (1921 - 2006)

Monmouth - Following a recent series of strokes after the holidays, Rita Doris Paradis, surrounded by local family members, died peacefully on Sunday March 12, 2006 at her home. Rita was born in Fort Kent on July 20, 1921, the eldest daughter of Solomon J. and Evelyn A. (Beaulieu)Long. She grew up in Fort Kent and also in Eagle Lake. Rita was a graduate of the University of Maine, known then as the Fort Kent Normal School, in 1940. Always a teacher at heart, she taught for many years at grade schools in Caswell, ME., Hudson, NH. and Elyria, Ohio. The spouse of a U.S. Air Force officer during WWII and beyond, she loved the challenges of military life, accompanying her husband to all of his different military assignments. They had lived in Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Florida and Maine. Following her husband Jim?s retirement in 1976, they returned to their roots in Maine building a home in Monmouth. Drawing from a deep spirit of adventure, she and Jim enjoyed 10 years of traveling throughout North America, to include summering in Alaska and wintering in California and Florida, while driving through and visiting all points in between. Rita was the loving wife of her husband of 61 years James L. Paradis Sr. of Monmouth, and a caring mother of her two sons James L. Paradis Jr. of Wasilla, Alaska and Wayne M. Paradis of Monmouth. She is also survived by six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two sisters Iris LeBrun of Oxnard, CA. and Ouida M. Long of Bangor; a brother Joseph R. Long of Shrewsbury, MA., also several nieces and nephews. Visiting will be held on Thusrday, March 16 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:00am Friday, at St. Francis Xavier Church, Lake St.,Winthrop, with Rev. Brian Blanchette, Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Patricks Cemetery, Hudson, NH.