Rita C. (Charland) Leroux

Rita Claire Leroux passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones,on January 4, 2026. A devout and faithful Catholic, she was the steadfast rock of her family and friends, giving love, support, and compassion to anyone in need. Rita’s joy for life was evident in her laughter, and when she got going, her laughter was truly infectious. 

Rita was born August 16, 1935, in Sanford, Maine to Rauol and Flora (Lavigne) Charland. From an early age, she loved performing and music. This led her to form a professional singing group with her sisters Annette, Edna and Aline, called The Charland Sisters. The group performed locally for several years, while also working to support the family at Kesslen Shoe. To know Rita, was to know her guitar, piano and beautiful singing voice, both at home and in church.

In 1954 Rita met the love of her life Joseph M. L. Leroux at a local dance hall. The two were smitten with each other and married on August 7 after a brief courtship. The young couple moved to York, Maine where Joseph established himself as a local grocer and they raised their family of six children -  Dan, Annette, Richard, Denise, Therese and Leo. Joseph passed away in 1981 and Rita carried forward their devotion to family with strength. Over the years, that family has grown to include 21 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Known as Memere, she was always up for an adventure, attending youth sporting events, singing and dance recitals, and taking great joy in the silly antics of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Rita’s faith was lived joyfully and shared generously with others. As part of the Charismatic Movement, she helped lead and encourage those around her, deepening her love of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. In 1994, she brought this faith to life through “To God Be the Glory,” a musical presentation of the life of Jesus Christ that she wrote and produced and that continued for 27 years.

Rita’s greatest legacy is the love she poured into her family and shared so freely with others. She is remembered as a wonderful daughter, kind sister, loving mother, caring aunt, spectacular Memere and a gracious neighbor to all. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her - but she would be the first to remind us that if we’re crying over her passing, we’re only crying for ourselves, as she’s surely singing and dancing her way through the pearly gates.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 10 at 11 a.m. at St. Christopher’s Church, located at 4 Barrell Lane in York. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Maine Right to Life in Rita’s memory. 

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