Rita (Gastonguay) LeClerc, 79 of Peabody, loving wife and 49 year companion of Laurier (Larry) LeClerc, died peacefully , surrounded by her family on November 10, 2010 at Beverly Hospital after a courageous battle with her many illnesses.
Born in Lewiston, Maine on April 18, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Annette (Dumont) Gastonguay. She moved to Salem as a young woman, where she lived for many years raising her family as a home maker as well as caregiver to others.
Rita’s life was one of absolute devotion to her family. She cared for her terminally ill mother for many years, until her death in 1977. She enjoyed being with her grand-children more than anything and also loved cooking, , bowling, camping on Great East Lake and keeping a spotless home. As a young woman, Rita was the winner of many dance competitions.
Besides her loving husband of 32 years, she leaves, 4 children, Bonnie Gawrys of Pelham, NH, Sheila Bedard of Peabody and her companion Peter Young of Boxford, William Walsh and his wife Linda of Dover, NH, Kathleen Deschene of Newburyport and a son-in-law Robert Deschene of Danvers, 2 stepchildren, Laurier LeClerc of Exeter, NH and Linda Lucy of Melrose, 12 grandchildren, Melissa Gawrys, Seith Bedard and his wife Rachel, Casey (Bedard) Leslie and her husband Michael, Jennifer and Ryan Walsh, Bobby, David, Danielle, Mikey, Steven and Troy Deschene, Kelly (LeClerc) Hollinhead and her husband James and 2 great grandchildren, Ava & Jace. She was predeceased by a stepdaughter Jody LeClerc and leaves behind many beloved friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St. [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem on Monday, November 15, 2010 at 8:45 a.m. to be followed by her funeral mass in St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers at 10 a.m.
Visiting hours: Sunday afternoon from 2 to 6 p.m. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B102, Danvers, MA 10923. For guestbook and additional information please visit www.LevesqueFuneral.com