West Gardiner-Rita R. Denis, age 85 passed away Monday, December 14, 2020 at Alfond Center for Health in Augusta. She was born November 10, 1935 in Lewiston, the daughter of Joseph and Armandine Veilleux Fortin.

She was raised and educated in Lewiston. Rita worked for various shoe factories throughout her entire life.

She enjoyed going out to eat, playing bingo, and playing cards on Sunday gatherings at her Niece Flo’s house and husband Larry, with her sister-in-law Ludgarde, niece Diane, niece Louise and many others.

She is predeceased by her husband Camille Denis, brothers Raoul, Roland, Roger, and Joseph.

Rita is survived by a sister Rita Cote, sister-in-laws Ludgarde Fortin, Lucille Fortin, and Gertrude Sleeper, daughter Claudette Gregor and husband Thomas of W. Gardiner, son Victor Denis and wife Reina of Topsham, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, godchildren Donald E. Fortin, Sr., and Rejeanne Cote, and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Saturday December 19 at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner following the guidelines set by the state of Maine and the CDC for mask wearing and social distancing. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 21, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gardiner. Spring burial will be in Cherry Hill Cemetery, West Gardiner.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website familyfirstfuneralhomes.com