AUGUSTA – Rita M. Fortin, 81, died Friday, April 29, 2022, at her home following a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer with her family by her side. She was born in Augusta on April 13, 1941, the daughter of the late Raoul R. and Lillian B (Bernard) Grenier.

Mrs. Fortin attended Augusta and Gardiner schools and was a communicant of St. Augustine Catholic Church.

She had been employed by Central Maine Power for many years. She also had worked at Hallowell Shoe, Hi-Hat Drive In, Bates Mfg. – Edwards Division, Ames and she was owner/operator of her own store, Fortin’s Market, on Sand Hill in Augusta.

Mrs. Fortin was a member of the Calumet Club and the Cushnoc Senior Citizens.

Rita enjoyed her travels with friends around the world and the Cushnoc senior local trips. She loved her summers at her camp, family gatherings and making “rummy soup” for all. She also loved crafting, donating mittens and hats to the less fortunate and the weekly games of Bingo with her close friends.

She was predeceased by her brother, Richard Grenier. Mrs. Fortin is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jean-Paul Fortin of Augusta; four children, Tina Wilkins and her husband Shawn of East Winthrop, James Fortin of Augusta, Richard Fortin of Augusta and Cathy Fredette and Keith Kalloch of Readfield; eight grandchildren, Richard Fortin, Tyler Tabb, Derek Tabb, Callie Boynton, Dalton Fortin, Amber Rita Fredette, Darcy Wilkins and Sabrina Wilkins; four great-grandchildren, Ethan Fortin, Lillian Tabb, Luna Tabb and Maverik Pelletier; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and life-long family member Darin Fredette.

Relatives and friends may visit from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4 at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta where Officers and members of the Calumet Club are asked to meet at 6 p.m. to recite prayers for their departed member. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 5 at 11 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Northern Ave., Augusta. Burial and committal prayers will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Townsend Rd., Augusta.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at MaineGeneral Hospice for the care and compassion they showed to Rita and the family during her illness.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

Memorial donations in Rita’s memory be made to: MaineGeneral Cancer

Care Center

c/o MaineGeneral Office of Philanthropy

35 Medical Center Parkway

Augusta, ME, 04330

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