Rhea Maine
Rhea Maine died Saturday, June 4th in New Haven, CT. Born on April 15, 1917 in Ware, MA, to Hyacinth and Nelida Poulin, Rhea was the youngest of nine children. A wife and widow to both Daniel Walsh and James Maine, she was predeceased by her daughter, Mary-Ellen Ryan, and her son, Donald Walsh. Remarkably independent, Rhea worked in factories from her adolescence into her 70's. Rhea lived throughout the East Coast, from Nashville, TN, to Providence, RI, until she settled in her longtime home in East Lyme, CT. Her passions included reading murder mysteries, long walks, occasional forays into dive bars, speaking French, telling bawdy jokes, watching foreign films, and dining with her family at Modern Pizza. She had a special connection with hard-working people and would always say something that would brighten their day. Her disarming sense of humor and playful flirtiness made an impression on everyone she met. Rhea will be remembered for her quick wit, charming smile, and infectious laugh. Known to her family as Memere, she is survived by grandchildren Adam Ryan, his wife Beth, and their children, Ella and Cole; Cybil Ryan, Caitlin Ryan, Ethan Ryan, and Colin Ryan, and their father, Michael Ryan. Her Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7th at St. Lawrence Cemetery in West Haven, CT. Arrangements are in care of BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden.
Our sincere sympathy to all Rhea’s family with her passing. She truly was one of a kind; loving, giving, always a quick wit, a model for the term .never give up.. She lives on in all of you. God bless. Pat and Earl Reynolds
Your grandmother was a tough cookie who always had a smile and an interest in everything around her! She was truly .young at heart.. We’ve missed her strolls up to Black Oak Drive for awhile, and send our condolences to you all. Corinne and David Weber
To Rhea’s Family, When my husband and I think of Rhea we smile. Rhea and my mother, Mary Ellen, met and became friends while living at Emeritus at Woodbridge. They would sit outside and talk and laugh by the hour. Rhea had a sweet nature about her and a spectacular personality. She was fun! We never went to Emeritus where we didn’t see Rhea and always walked away laughing. What a wonderful woman. She was very kind to my mother and they had alot of fun together. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Another beautiful soul is gone. Elizabeth & Thomas Pepe
To the Ryan Family, We offer our sincere condolences at the loss of your grandmother. We lived next door to Rhea in East Lyme from 1969 to l973, but our friendship carried on much longer. We were there when she received the news of the loss of her son Donald. We were there when she married Jim Maine. I believe Adam was born about the same time our own first child was born. Over the years she kept us up-to-date on the growth of the family of her beloved daughter, Mary-Ellen. Her witty and warm personality was captured so well in the obituary. We carry fond memories of her in our hearts. Sincerely, Leon and Trudi Just
On behalf of the Kari-Hill VFW Post 5849, we offer you our condolences on the passing of a Gold Star mother, Mrs Rhea Maine. Although, I am too young to remember Donald, many of our senior members remember him and Rhea fondly. May both rest in peace. Sincerely, Glenn Elliott