VASSALBORO – Rita M. (Pare) Arbour Glidden, 95, formerly of Cross Hill Road in Vassalboro, passed away peacefully of natural causes at the Augusta Center for Health and Rehabilitation in the early morning on Oct. 29, 2023, with caring staff members by her side.

Rita was born to Ernest and Georgianna (Blouin) Pare on Jan. 6, 1928, on the Pare family farm in Vassalboro, the ninth of eleven children.

Those who knew her agreed she was the most outspoken member of the family, carrying that attitude throughout her life, to include her residency at the Nursing Home. She respected others’ opinions but wasn’t afraid to speak out when necessary.Rita married Alphonse Arbour on July 25, 1946. As communicants of St. Augustine Church in St. Michael’s Parish, they lived in the Sandhill area of Augusta and started their family with sons, Roland and Bob. Rita and Alphonse owned and operated Alphonse’s Taxi in the 1950’s, having as many as four cabs in service at a time. The business eventually closed and both Rita and Al began a long career at the former Edward’s Textile Mill in Augusta. The family eventually moved to a single-family home in Augusta. Rita was proud of the home she kept, where she took great pleasure in entertaining family and friends. Rita was musically inclined and enjoyed being in the spotlight. She often spoke fondly of the many gatherings punctuated by piano, harmonica, singing, dancing, and always laughter. Many times, throughout her life, she mentioned that, under different circumstances, she would have liked to have been an interior decorator. Rita would almost always have some remodeling project going. Alphonse passed away in October 1971.

Rita was reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Clifton L. Glidden, in 1972 and they married that September. They relocated to the very area in Vassalboro, where they both spent their childhood years and established their home together. They traveled to all fifty States, her favorite of which was Hawaii. They were avid members of Good Sam camping club for many years, as well as spending time snowmobiling, boating, taking day trips with friends, and dining out. Working outdoors was a real passion of Rita’s. She adored cultivating her flower beds and coaxing her vegetables along, with her soulmate Clif by her side. Together, they enjoyed holiday gatherings and summer BBQs with family members. Clif passed away in December of 2016.

With the help of family, specifically granddaughter Tammy Ellis and husband Bob, and great-grandson Thaddeus Clark (Tammy’s son), Rita was able to stay in her Vassalboro home until June of 2018, when her health deteriorated, making round-the-clock nursing care necessary. Both Tammy and Thadd had a close bond with their grand/great-grandmother until the very end. Rita relocated to the Augusta Center at that time.

Rita was predeceased by both Al then Clif, all of her and both late husbands’ siblings and their spouses, and her daughters-in-law Sheryl Arbour (Bob’s wife), and Janice Glidden, (Dale’s wife).

Rita is survived by son Bob Arbour of Readfield, son Roland Arbour and his wife Jean of Sidney, stepson Dale Glidden of Brunswick, stepson David Glidden and his wife Pam of Readfield; grandchildren Tammy Ellis and her husband Bob of Vassalboro, Nathan Arbour and his wife Angela of Holden, Mass., Duke (Jeffrey) Arbour and his wife Angela of Sidney, Keith Glidden and his wife Monica of Alexandria, Va., Eric Arbour and his wife Crystal of Sidney, Elaine Arbour and her husband Kurt Gergler of Sunapee, NH, Kevin Glidden and his wife Tammy of Bristol, NH, Ryan Glidden of Wells, Shaina Peterson and her husband Dave of Milton, Mass., and Starr Lemelin of Augusta; 15 great-grandkids; and soon to be four great-great-grandkids; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Augusta Center for Health & Rehabilitation on Eastern Ave. in Augusta for the outstanding care, kindness, support, and especially the love during the last few months, they provided during these last years.

A period of visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 17 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Agusuta, ME 04330, where a memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

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