Obituary for Rita M. Levesque

Rita M (Zambino) Levesque was born in Lawrence, MA on July 28, 1919, and died on November 5, 2021, in Tucson, AZ. She was the daughter of Frank Zambino and Jeanette (Verner) Zambino.  She was 102 years old and sharp as a tack until her last breath.  She lived her first 40 years in Massachusetts where she married Lucien A. Levesque.  She grew up during the depression and learned the value of a dollar; it was a lesson she never forgot.  During WWII she worked in a textile factory where wool was woven for military uniforms.

Her true vocation was as a wife and mother raising two children, Lucien A. Levesque Jr., and Ruth A (Levesque) Parness.  She was a stay-at-home mom devoting her time to providing a loving and nurturing home for her husband and children.

In 1959 she moved to Southern California. Though she lived in CA for 50 years, she never lost her New England accent or her love for fried clams.

She was skilled at sewing, knitting, and crocheting.  She loved polka dancing and did so weekly for many years, even designing her own dance outfits. When it was necessary to supplement her son’s college scholarship, she did so by taking in ironing and alterations.  It could have been a lucrative business except for the fact that she charged depression-era prices.  

In 2008 she moved to Tucson to be near her daughter and son-in-law.  She quickly put her knitting and crocheting skills to good use as a member of the Cactus Comfort ladies at St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Her passion was making baby sweaters, blankets, and booties. Her booties warmed the toes of many an infant since they were donated to Reachout Women’s Center, Christ Child Society, and Fatima Women’s Center.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lucien in 1980, her son Lucien Jr. in 2019, and her three sisters, Mary Zambino, Ruth Greenfield, and Lillian Smythe. She is survived by her daughter Ruth and son-in-law Frank Parness of Marana; her nephew Rick Valcourt and family of Honolulu; and her grand-goddaughter Annemarie Mancino of NYC.

The family wishes to thank Dr. David Los of Tucson for his compassion in attending to her medical needs over the years; and La Paz Assisted Living in Tucson for providing loving care to Rita in her final months.  

Her Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church, 2727 W Tangerine Rd., Oro Valley, AZ on December 11, 2021, at 11:00 AM. She will be interred in early 2022 alongside her husband in Southern California.  In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity that provides for infants and children.