Fort Kent-- Carmen (Ouellette) Rioux, 99, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, at a local healthcare facility. She was born in Fort Kent on November 16, 1925, and was a daughter of the late Johnny and Rosanna (Berube) Ouellette.

Carmen was the devoted wife of Paul Rioux, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. Together, they raised nine children—Paula Robertson, Mark Rioux, Rodney Rioux, Janet Rodgers, Michael Rioux, Peggy Harmon, Jean Neale, Lucie Rioux, Peter Rioux—who, along with their spouses, carry forward her legacy of love and strength. She was also blessed with 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Carmen played an essential role in the operation of the family farm, managing the books with precision and lending a hand in the potato house when needed. She was known for her remarkable quilting during the winter months, a craft she approached with skill and dedication. In retirement, she embraced travel, golf, fishing, and bridge—earning her Masters in Bridge and serving as Director with the American Contract Bridge League in the surrounding towns.

She and Paul especially cherished their summers at the family camp on Eagle Lake, where they welcomed friends, danced to French music on the porch, and made lasting memories.

Carmen was a loving mother with a generous heart and a distinctive, joyful laugh. Her presence filled a room without ever demanding it, and her quiet strength was felt by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband Paul, her parents, and her five siblings, Victor, Yvette, Adrien, Conrad, and Cora.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at St. Louis Church, Fort Kent. Relatives and friends may call Friday evening 6 – 8:00 PM at Lajoie-Daigle Funeral Home, 14 E. Main St., Fort Kent. Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of Aroostook, P.O. Box 688, Caribou, ME 04736.