ALFRED — Rita P. Hussey, 84, of Saco Road, died peacefully with her faithful, little dog, Schultz, next to her on Saturday evening, July 12, 2014.

Rita was born on June 24, 1930 in Biddeford, the daughter of Henry and Clara (Hamel) Lambert.

She attended St. Mary’s school and began working in the Pepperell Mill as a young woman. Rita worked as a loom-weaver for close to 25 years before she became a stay-at-home mom.

Rita met Willis Hussey at a dance one night, and they quickly forged a bond that brought the best qualities of each of them into their marriage. They were married on Oct. 19, 1966, and welcomed their son, Glenn, two years later.

Rita’s personality lent itself to being unique, at times eccentric, yet she was always happy, and once she got to know you, you were a friend for life. She loved to dress to the nines ”“ matching shoes, an assortment of wigs and jewelry. As a family, they camped in the White Mountains, and a few times, the wind caught her wig she was wearing ”“ and the stories told have been embellished through the years! Rita loved to play Bingo, word searches in the newspaper, putting puzzles together with her grandchildren, and a good night was playing cards with her family and friends.

Rita had a fondness for animals, especially cats. When she went out for the day shopping, she insisted on eating out. She loved going to Bonanza and to the Olive Garden. Rita was gregarious, and was so thankful when her son, Glenn, and family moved to Alfred to live with her a couple of years ago. She was a woman of deep faith and her motto was, “Every day was a new day.” She lived a full and fruitful life, and will be missed by her family and close friends.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Willis; her two sisters, Annette and Lena Hamel; and one brother, Raymond Hamel.

She is survived by: her son, Glenn Hussey and wife Kimberly of Alfred; her two grandchildren, Alexander Dupras and Amanda Hussey of Alfred; her brother, Richard Hamel and wife Patricia of Biddeford; and several nieces and nephews.

A prayer service will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Autumn Green Funeral Home, 47 Oak St. in Alfred, with Br. Ted Letendre officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Committal prayers and burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Alfred. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com. With Rita’s love of animals, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Welfare Society, Inc., P.O. Box 43, West Kennebunk, ME 04094. The Autumn Green Funeral Home is respectfully handling arrangements.