NEW SALEM, MASS. — Rena Gervais Rawson, 81, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2016, at her home in New Salem, Mass.

She was born in Fort Kent, the daughter of Victorie and Sophie (Roy) Gervais. The Gervais family relocated to the Gorham/Westbrook area, where Rena attended Westbrook High School and graduated in 1953. During her high school years, she was involved in many activities including the school newspaper, softball and choir, and was well known for her singing.

Rena continued to reside in Westbrook, where she married Valmont Letarte, raised her four children, and retired from Maine Medical Center. Shortly before retirement, she met and married Francis Rochon and they moved to Poland Spring, where they spent nearly 20 years enjoying their young grandchildren and gardening, an activity she shared with her older son, Michael, and younger daughter, Denise. After Frank’s passing, Rena lived in Wells, and enjoyed traveling with her older daughter, Karen, including many visits with her son, Greg, and his family in North Carolina, Texas and Tennessee.

In 2007, Rena married Norman Rawson and created a home for them in New Salem, Mass., overlooking the scenic Quabbin Reservoir. Rena will be fondly remembered for her love of family, spirit and zest for life.

Rena is survived by her husband, Norman Rawson of New Salem, Mass.; her children Michael Letarte of Ashville, N.C., Karen Letarte Pelletier of Wells, Gregory Letarte of Franklin, Tenn. and Denise Johnson of Raymond; her siblings, Lucille Pelletier of Summerfield, Fla., Priscilla St. Pierre of Westbrook, Rosaire Gervais of Summerfield, Fla., Llewellyn Gervais of Saco and Lucien Gervais of Saco; her nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, with two more great-grandchildren on the way and due in August and September.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, April 13, at St. Hyacinth Cemetery, Westbrook. Online condolences may be expressed at: blaisandhayfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to GVNA Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440.