BIDDEFORD — Rita D. Dechene, 87, of Biddeford, died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014 at St. Andre’s Health Care Facility, after a long illness.

She was born in Biddeford on Feb. 25, 1927, a daughter of Wilfred and Rose Fontaine Tourigny.

She was educated in Biddeford schools and graduated from Biddeford High School.

On Feb. 4, 1950, she married Raymond H. Dechene in St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford.

Mrs. Dechene worked nine years at a Saco dentist office as a dental assistant. She then worked 15 years with Sears Roebuck as a front desk clerk at the Biddeford catalog store.

She was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and AARP.

Rita’s joys in life centered around her home and family. She enjoyed decorating and redecorating the house her beloved husband built soon after their marriage. Her vision of style was always apparent in her creative ventures. Rita’s passion was cooking; something Raymond and her daughter, Joyce, truly enjoyed and appreciated. She would cut out recipes, re-invent the ingredients and always treated each meal as a presentation. The vegetable garden Raymond planted each year provided her with many colorful and healthy options.

Rita was vibrant, social and loved to entertain, especially during the holidays. She took time to relax with magazines in search of new recipes, crocheting afghans for family and the church bazaar, and would always pick up the crossword and Sudoku puzzles in our weekly paper. I know Rita is looking forward to her reunion with Raymond, where she will wrap her arms around him and greet him with her usual, “Hello, my darling!”

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Raymond Dechene, in 2012; and two brothers, Arthur Tourigny in 1998 and Alfred Tourigny in 2004.

Surviving are: her daughter, Joyce Courtois and her husband Gerard of Biddeford; a brother, George Tourigny and his wife Rachel of Biddeford; a sister, Romaine Ouellette of Newport; and several nieces and nephews.

Thanks to some very special people: Rosie Rousselle, Rachel Guillereault and Louise Letendre, who provided unending friendship and kindness during these last couple of years. Rosie, who always brought her fresh flowers from her beautiful gardens, Rachel, who brought her homemade treats, and Louise, who spent countless hours visiting and playing games. Each took their own time to share in Rita’s life. Even though her stay was short, Rita and her family appreciated the care she received at Biddeford Estates, especially from Pam, who made her feel so special, and Linda, who did her hair each week and made her feel beautiful. Much gratitude is also extended to St. Andre’s Health Care, especially Sara, Dina, Lisa, Nichole, Allison, Debbie, Joanna and her wonderful grandniece Jacqueline for their kind and compassionate care.

Visiting hours will be 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014 at Hope Memorial Chapel. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Church of the Good Shepherd Parish in Biddeford. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Biddeford. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. Memorial donations in Rita’s name may be made to Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 136 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074. To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.