Rhea R. Whitham

Rhea R. Whitham, formerly of Lewiston, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, at Starfish Care Homes at Midtown in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by her loving family. She was 95.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY, Rhea was the cherished daughter of the late Jean and Albina (Lauzon) Poupart. A proud graduate of Niagara Falls High School, Class of 1948, she married the love of her life, John F. “Jack” Whitham, on June 11, 1949, at Our Lady of Lebanon Church. Together, they shared 69 devoted years of marriage.

Rhea served the Niagara Falls Board of Education for 14 years as an administrative assistant, where her dedication and warmth left a lasting impression. Her commitment to community and faith was evident in her active role with St. Teresa’s Mothers Club, where she served as president, was honored as Mother of the Year, led fundraising efforts, initiated and managed the school lunch program with care and grace. She volunteered at the Heart, Love and Soul Soup Kitchen, Memorial Hospital Gift Shop as well as Tarpon Springs Medical Center in Florida.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Rhea found strength and solace in the Blessed Mother, the rosary, and the power of prayer. She enjoyed playing bridge, euchre and traveling, but her greatest joy came from raising her seven daughters and nurturing a close-knit, loving family. It brought her great happiness to celebrate family occasions at their cottage in Long Beach, Ontario and at their home in Porter on Lake Ontario.

Rhea was predeceased by her beloved husband Jack; her parents; son-in-laws, Michael O’Laughlin and Michael Richmond; and siblings, Pauline (late Herman) Rueter and Robert Poupart.

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Deborah (William) Brown of Nokomis, FL; Linda O’Laughlin of Downington, PA; Sandra (Paul) Faltyn of Niagara Falls, NY; Jacquelyn (Joseph) West of Farmington, NY; Susan Richmond of Tucson, AZ; Joyce (Mark) O’Brien of Pendleton, NY; and Amy (Brian) Hansen of Lockport, NY. She also leaves behind 20 cherished grandchildren, 26 adored great-grandchildren, her caring brother Paul (Jean) Poupart, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9–10 AM at St. Peter’s RC Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Oakland Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rhea’s honor to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Western New York Chapter, 100 College Pkwy #280, Williamsville, NY 14221.

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