Rita P. Wilson

NORWAY -- Rita P. Wilson, 73 of Bethel died on November 24, 2012 at Stephens Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. She died peacefully with her family by her side.

She was born in Hanover on December 6, 1938, the daughter of Ellsworth and Irene Cole Pingree. She attended Gould Academy as a member of the class of 1956.

She married Dennis Wilson on November 16, 1957 and the two have shared 55 wonderful years together.

Rita was a homemaker and worked as the bookkeeper for the family business for 30 years as well as being a skilled seamstress. She was a member of the Eastern Star, an avid yard saler and was an easily recognizable member of the community. She enjoyed spending her winters in Florida where she could always be found putting together a puzzle while visiting with friends on the porch. Her proudest achievement was raising her children and grandchildren.

Rita is survived by her husband Dennis of Bethel; two sons, Douglas and his wife, Jodie of Bethel, and their three children, Danna, Dane and Drew, and David and his wife, Sheri of Bethel and their three children, Santana, Asher and T.C.; a daughter, Melinda Wilson of Connecticut and her two sons, Trevor and Grafton; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved American eskimo, little Bub. She will lovingly be remembered in the community as Grammy Rita.

She was predeceased by her parents; stepfather Mervin Buc; baby sister Janice; and brothers, Stanwood and Arthur Pingree.

Rita’s wishes were for no memorial service, therefore a celebration of life will be held at a later date with a graveside service for the family in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Responsible Pet Care, 132 Waterford Road, Norway, ME 04268.