Rita Irene Lesniak Pariseau

Hampton - Rita Irene (nee Beaudette) Lesniak Pariseau died peacefully surrounded by her family on May 23, 2019. She is survived by her children John (Patty) Lesniak, of Falmouth, ME; Sr. Mary Thomas Lesniak, CSSF, of Manchester, NH; Carol Lesniak, of Portland, ME; Christine (George) Fox, of Gorham, ME; Joseph Lesniak, of Cumberland, ME; Catherine (Bob) Adelman, of St. Louis, MO. Step daughter Cyndi Pariseau of Hampton, NH. Sisters Alice Rattigan, Florence Cimon, both of Manchester, NH, brothers Bertrand (Georgette) Beaudette, of Manchester, NH, and George (Elaine) Beaudette of Hampton, NH. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Frederick Lesniak, beloved husband of 10 years, Philip Pariseau, daughter Cheryl Ann, brothers Lucien, Paul, sisters Theresa, Simonne, and Lucille. She was a loving, proud, and cherished “Babci” to Joseph, Krysia, and Thomas Lesniak, James Fox, Maria, Anna, Max, J.D., and John Adelman. She was a loved and cherished aunt, cousin, good neighbor, and great friend to many. Rita was born in April, 1932 in Manchester, NH, the fifth child of ten of George and Hedwidge Beaudette. She shared many, many happy times growing up and throughout their lives with her brothers and sisters. She attended St. Joseph High School for Girls in Manchester, NH where she continued her love of writing and English. She went on to graduate from Notre Dame College in NH where she was the first graduating class of the College’s history and was President of her Class. She became a school teacher and taught elementary students in several schools in New Hampshire. She moved to Portland, Maine in 1969 with her late husband, Fred Lesniak and children where they lived for 36 years. In 2005, she married Phil Pariseau and moved to Hampton Beach, NH. She would always devote her time and attention to her greatest passion - her family, which she happily pursued for the rest of her life. Rita loved being a wife and mother, and cherished her time with her family. She was a devout Catholic, an avid volunteer for those in need, Parish council member, and held a special devotion to the Virgin Mary, which provided her a source of great comfort and strength throughout her life. Her hobbies included gardening; especially growing prize winning roses, and was a member of the Rose Society, reading, volunteering, she taught English to immigrants, was an Ombudsman for a Nursing home, was an avid Red Sox fan, and loved to watch college basketball (“Duke” was her favorite college team and she knew every stat about the players and the team). She loved to play tennis and played until she was 78 years old, and enjoyed travelling. She most enjoyed spending New England winters in sunny Florida with family and friends. She often mentioned how truly blessed she was having such wonderful family and friends throughout her life. Their company always brought her such joy and happiness. She had a tremendous compassion for the less fortunate, a humble nature, a love of laughter, a generous, thoughtful spirit, and a true recognition of her life’s blessings. Her life, well lived, is her legacy which will continue to provide a shining example to her family and friends. Without a doubt it can be said of her, she left the world a little bit better than when she arrived. She will be greatly missed by all of the people whose lives she touched. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM following the visitation. Burial will be private in the Calvary Cemetery, South Portland, ME. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Rita to EWTN 5817 Old Leeds Road Irondale, AL 35210.

Rita Irene Lesniak Pariseau

April 13, 1932 - May 23, 2019