If you’ve ever voted, bought a fishing license or marriage license, or even a concealed weapon permit – you’re probably one of the thousands in Windham who has had contact with Rita Bernier.

For 14 years, the 67 year old was Windham’s Town Clerk. Elected over and over during her tenure, it was difficult to retire. She says now that she “loved the people”, but she was just worn out. “I brought the job home with me every night, and even opened my house to it.” For a long time, she had a sign posted on her Webb Road home lawn, announcing “Town Clerk”.

Rita retired four years ago from the last of her many, varied jobs. She’s a good example of the image of the Downeaster, raised with a strong work ethic, and valued as an employee.

“I’ve worked all my life”, says Rita. “My first paying job was for Nellie Bennett; I took care of her four boys, ages two, four, six and eight.” Windham Town Councilor Lloyd Bennett was one of these children. “I got paid $6.20 a week plus room and board”, she says.

“And I waitressed all over the place – Cole Farms in Gray, the Village CafA?©, Woolworth’s, Valle’s Steak House and Holiday Inn.”

For 13 years, Rita Bernier drove a school bus in Windham. She was the first woman bus driver ever hired, and one of her best friends, Patricia Riley was the second. “I took Trish up with me and we both got hired”, Rita laughs. “And in between driving bus and being elected town clerk, I worked for my sister and brother-in-law in the office of Williams Oil.”

Barbara Strout, former town clerk in Windham, talked Rita into running for the clerk’s office, which is still an elected position.

“She told me there was nothing to it and I could easily do it. After I got elected on that Friday, Carol Dolby, who had been acting town clerk wished me well and told me to have fun on Saturday. I asked her what she meant and she reminded me it was town meeting day, which the clerk had to run. I didn’t have a clue, but we got through it,” she remembers.

When she decided it was time to retire, Rita said it wasn’t difficult.

“Linda (Morrell), current clerk, and the others in the office do a terrific job. I still work part time, but it’s a lot different now, because when I leave, I leave the job there.”

After Linda Morrell was elected, Rita and her husband, Dick, went on an extended camping trip. “I had five months of retirement. I’d come home, work a couple of weeks and go camping for a couple of weeks.”

But that wasn’t what she really wanted, she says. She wanted more time to explore what it would be like not to have to go to work for a longer period of time. Now, she works in the winter and takes the entire summer off. “I love to swim and we go for the whole summer. Dick drives an oil truck in the winter and we spend the summer outdoors. He hikes and we go fishing. It’s just wonderful.”

She also enjoys having time to enjoy her family and is looking forward to the arrival of her 21st – or is it 22nd – “grandbaby”.

A new project has now captured some of Rita’s interest and is becoming so popular, she’s having business cards printed. Twenty years ago, Rita enjoyed doing craft work, in particular, braiding rugs. “You come right over and see some of these beautiful rugs”, she says.

When we caught up with her last week at her part-time job at the clerk’s counter, she said the classes she teaches are going well (and filled) and showed us a folder of rugs she’s completed.

Does this mean she will spent more time doing craft work for fun? A new career?

“No,” she said, “I’ll still work. Let’s tell it the way it is – we have to work.”

Copy the Story Link