Fort Kent—Rita (Michaud) Bouchard, 93, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2022 at a Fort Kent health care facility. She was born on March 19, 1929, daughter of the late Albert and Odile (Theriault) Michaud. She was the middle child of Albert and Odile Michaud. Grew up with older sister Esther and younger brother Roland on North Perly Brook. She was an amazing gentle kind woman with the strength and fortitude that she showed all who knew her.

Left home after high school to attend St Mary's School of Nursing in Lewiston. Traveled back and forth on a train to Lewiston. She made such great friends there, including her roommate, Reina Pelletier who was her shenanigan partner.

While working as a registered nurse locally, Rita also took on the role of farmer's wife.  She was invaluable during the potato harvests, working tirelessly alongside her husband and children.  In her little spare time, she also managed the family's 13,000 laying-hen business.

Following her retirement in 1983, she found the inspiration to start making and marketing ployes so that the Acadian tradition would not be lost.  What another wonderful legacy and gift she has left us all.

She loved to laugh and would partake in any opportunity to spend time with family and friends. And if her own 6 children were not enough, there are many she took under her wings and treated like her own.

She spent many of her later winters in Florida, enjoying time with family and sunshine.  Loved to go to Guppy's for happy hour… and although she would drink wine from an actual wine glass, she preferred to drink from lighter plastic cups.

Her life's motto would have to be her famous saying of "C'est bon assez". This exemplified her attitude of being grateful for what she had without complaint. Everyone who knew her, loved her dearly. She was a rock star who left her legacy in all of us who continue to share her in how we spread her love and compassion with others. We know that she is watching over us today with a smile and a heart full of joy.

She was a member of the Ladies of Auxiliary, Ladies of St. Anne, and Community Voices.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Alban Bouchard; her children, Claire Radke (Fred), Jane Crawford (Craig), Mary Kelly (Dan), Anne Torsney (Dan), Elaine Mininger (Mike), Joseph Bouchard (Janice); 1 brother, Roland Michaud; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.

Rita is predeceased by her parents; 1 sister, Esther Levesque

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 23, 2022, 10am at St. Louis Church. Family and Friends may offer their condolences at Lajoie-Daigle Funeral Home from 8:30-9:30am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Crosswinds activities, 40 Village rd, Fort Kent, ME 04743. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lajoie-Daigle Funeral Home.