AUGUSTA – Rita I. Valliere, 99, died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at home after a brief illness. She was born in Augusta, on Dec. 31, 1922, a daughter of the late Zepherin J. and Irene B. (Desruisseaux) Duplessis.

Mrs. Valliere attended Augusta schools and had been employed by Taylor Shoe and Hallowell Shoe Company.

Upon retirement, Rita and her late husband Robert wintered many years in Beverly Hills, Fla.

Mrs. Valliere was a communicant of St. Augustine Catholic Church and was an Honorary Life Member of Cushnoc Senior Citizens Club. She enjoyed playing cards and beano, never wanting to miss weekly meeting. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting. Over the years, she knitted several pairs of mittens and hats to be donated to children in need. She also really loved to dance.

She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Robert J. Valliere, Sr.; three brothers: George, Richard, and Donald Duplessis.

Mrs. Valliere is survived by her son, Robert J. Valliere, Jr. and his wife Georgette of Augusta; daughter, Roberta Sabourin and her husband John “Jack” of Augusta; her sister, Christine Gay and her husband Harvard of Vassalboro; four grandchildren: Shelly Morang of Scarborough, Shannon Morse and her husband Chris of Augusta, Shawna Stewart and her husband Matt of Augusta, and Stephen Valliere of Auburn; one great granddaughter, Kalista Stewart of Augusta; one great grand stepson, Aaron Morse of South China and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Captain Lewis Residence, Beacon Hospice and her home caregivers: Lynn, Brandy, Sherry H., and Sherry W. for the care and compassion that was shown to Rita and her family.

There will be no public visiting hours. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 5, at 11 a.m., at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Northern Ave., Augusta. Burial will be in the spring at the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

The family requests that donations in Rita’s memory be made to: St. Michael Parish, 24 Washington St.,

Augusta, ME, 04330;

Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanders, 93 Silver St.,

Waterville, ME, 04901.

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