Rita E. Nadeau

RITA E. Nadeau, passed away peacefully at age 98 in Zion, Illinois on Friday, April 10th, 2020 just nineteen days shy of her 99 birthday. She was born Rita E. Payeur on April 29th, 1922 in Biddeford, Maine, her parents George and Loretta Payeur (deceased). Rita was the youngest of three children – Germaine Gagne (Payeur) and Frank Payeur both deceased. Rita was a graduate of St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Lewiston, Maine earning her RN Degree in 1942. She worked as a private duty nurse in Biddeford, Maine for many years. Rita was married to George N. Nadeau on August 1st, 1944 at St. Andre Catholic Church in Biddeford, Maine. She and her husband George raised their six children in Saco, Maine where they remained until retiring to Mims, Florida. Her husband George passed away December 17th, 1996 in Titusville, Florida. Rita was always active in the Catholic Church as a catechism teacher and a Girl Scout Leader for many years in Saco, Maine. In retirement she became a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mims, Florida where she was very active in the church bake sales, food pantry and thrift store. She was always available to drive dialysis patients for treatment and very active in her community. Rita moved to Zion, Illinois in 2016. Rita enjoyed County/State Fairs (where she found every funnel cake vendor), zoo’s (her favorite animal – Meerkats) and never missed a chance to attend an outdoor concert or parade. She is survived by her Children: Susan Cunnare (Nadeau); Elaine Poisson (Nadeau); Paul Nadeau, Anne-Marie O’Sullivan (Nadeau); Judith Rivera (Nadeau) and George Nadeau. Rita is also survived by her grandchildren: David Cunnare; John Cunnare; Lisa Poisson; Matthew Poisson; Ryan O’Sullivan; Megan O’Sullivan; Christopher Rivera and Jennifer Fletcher (Rivera). Rita will be buried beside her husband George in the family plot in Biddeford, Maine.