Individual Details

Rita Mae BEAUDOIN

(18 Dec 1930 - 23 Feb 2015)

Obituary:
Rita Beaudoin Poux of White Plains, NY passed away peacefully at White Plains Hospital on February 23rd, surrounded by loving members of her extended family. She was 84. At 5' 11", with a full head of silvery hair and sparkly green eyes, Rita had a graceful, memorable presence. But it was her compassion and concern for family, friends and strangers alike that left an indelible impression on those fortunate enough to know her. From her early days as an occupational therapist and her work with polio patients, to her many volunteer activities with SHORE and the Open Arms Mens Shelter later in life, Rita cared deeply for people, and always endeavored to make their lives a little more peaceful. Rita's true life's work was the family she raised with her loving husband of 58 years, Pierre Demaison Poux. As an only child growing up in the small town of Stephenson in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Rita probably never imagined that one day she would be the mother of seven, the mother-in-law of seven more, and the grandmother of thirteen children, all of whom adored her. She was indefatigable as she worked to create a comfortable, nurturing home filled with the aromas of her cooking, the fruits of her passion for gardening, and the touch of her artful hand. It was a home that would host many celebratory gatherings over the years, a home to which her children returned again and again. In recent years, Rita had begun writing and sharing memoirs of her interesting family life and upbringing. Her own childhood was more difficult. Rita lost her mother when she was just three, and was raised by her father, the town baker, and her loving aunts and grandmother who served as her role models. After graduating from Stephenson High School, she received a degree in occupational therapy from Western Michigan College. Soon after, she served in a polio clinic in Ann Arbor during the polio crisis of the 1950s, helping disabled patients return to their lives and careers. It was around this time that she and Pierre found each other and married, living in Ann Arbor before relocating to New York. After living in Poughkeepsie a short time, Pierre and Rita moved their family to White Plains, where they remained residents for 48 years. They were active members of St. Bernards Church of White Plains for 44 years before joining the Church of the Magdalene of Pocantico Hills. And Rita was a long-time participant in the Catholic religious movement Cursillo. There was a three-year stint in France in the 1970s, when Pierres employer, IBM, moved the entire family to the suburbs of Paris. It was an enormous challenge for such a large household, but it proved to be an incredibly rewarding experience that helped shape all of the Pouxes, and gave them a lifelong love of French culture. Whether in France or White Plains or wherever they live now, Rita's family lived under her long, outstretched wings, and she will be greatly missed. Rita is survived by her husband, Pierre, and their seven children: Anne Poux MacDonald (Bruce) of Tarrytown, Sarah Poux Calabro (Philip) of Lake Carmel, Paul Poux (David Pfingstler) of New York City, Carolyn Poux Pnot (Eric) of Le Pecq, France, twins John Poux (Amy) of Rosendale and Stephen Poux (Jennifer) of Pocantico Hills, and Suzanne Poux Newhouse (Corey) of Austin, Texas. She has been blessed with 13 grandchildren: Matthew, Emily, Casey, Hayley, Sabine, Sophie, Tucker, twins Jules & Sydney, Trudy, Reede, Chlo and Jack.In lieu of flowers, and to further Ritas commitment to the homeless, please consider making a contribution in her name to: SHORE, Inc, P.O. Box 814, White Plains, NY