Rita was born October 20, 1924, in Sheridan, ME, the daughter of Fred and Mary Goslin Arsenault. She married Leo Chapman on June 1, 1946 and was a stay at home mom to six children until he passed away in 1971. She had no driver’s license, vehicle or job but somehow found a way to acquire them and raise her children by herself.
She had a great sense of humor and a beautiful smile, telling jokes until the end.
Rita often told of working in the potatoes fields in the county and was proud of the fact that she could pick 100 barrels a day.
She loved going to Foxwoods Bingo and spent many hours playing dice with friends and family. Another favorite was going to auctions and yard sales. She would always come home with a great find. She was a loving mother and was always there if her children needed her.
Rita was predeceased by her parents, her husband Leo, her son Robert and his daughter Michelle, brothers,
John Willie, Junior,
Paul, Harold and a sister Annette.
She is survived by her daughters, Sheila Knowles and her husband Daniel of Whitefield, Sharon Chapman and her husband Carroll of Vassalboro, Linda King and her husband William of Richmond, Tamara Chapman of Bowdoinham, son Ronald Chapman of Richmond, stepdaughter Gail Learned and her husband Harold of Sturbridge, MA, sisters Clara Sheehan of Methuen, MA, Emily Lefebre of Randolph, eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
She will be buried in Richmond beside her son Robert.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, July 19th, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. A private burial will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday at 10 a.m.
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