Obituary of Rita Marie Stanhope

Corinth- Rita M. Stanhope, 72, died unexpectedly February 24, 2018, at a local hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 19, 1945, in Dover-Foxcroft, the daughter of Donald and Ona (French) Blethen. Rita attended Dover-Foxcroft schools and graduated from Foxcroft Academy, Class of 1963. She worked for several years at local shoe shops, and retired from the HR department of St. Joseph’s Hospital after 15 years of service.  Rita was a 1987 graduate of Beal College.  She was happiest surrounded by her family at backyard bar-b-que’s, holidays, and birthday celebrations.  Rita enjoyed camping trips and going on rides with her husband, and supporting the local youth sports teams from the surrounding community.  She and her husband were permanent fixtures at Dexter Regional High School sporting events long after their grandsons had graduated.

In addition to her devoted husband of 55 years, William “Bill” Stanhope of Corinth, Rita is survived by her son, David Stanhope of Exeter and his fiancée Mary Jakubowski of Brewer; daughter, Diane Higgins and her husband Stacy of Sebec; two grandsons, Joshua Stanhope and wife Chelsea of Old Town, and Matthew Stanhope of Dexter and his girlfriend Gabbie Bilodeau; granddaughter, Kathryn Jakubowski of Brewer and her boyfriend Rece Chappelle; two sisters in-law, Ruth Smith and her husband Raymond of Presque Isle, and Elaine Blethen of Milo; special friends and neighbors of 50 years, George and Charlene Chesley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She will be missed by her beloved and loyal companion, Molly, her Boston Terrier. Rita was predeceased by her parents; brother, Richard Blethen; and nephew, Eric Blethen.

A memorial service will be held 3:00 P.M. Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the Bradford Baptist Church with Pastor Donald Booker officiating. Burial will be in the family lot of the Corinthian Cemetery, Corinth, in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Corinth Fire Department, P.O. Box 309, Corinth, Maine 04427.  Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.