Laura M. Rioux, 91, of Port Charlotte, Florida died peacefully at HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital, Port Charlotte, Florida on Thursday, September 28, 2023.

Laura was born December 19, 1931, in Frenchville, Maine to the late William I and Mabel (Michaud) Martin.  At the age of 18 Laura married her lifelong love, Conrad J. Rioux, on November 26, 1949, in Manchester, Connecticut. Conrad started his dental practice in Hartford, Connecticut, and together they settled in Bloomfield, Connecticut for 18 years. They vacationed often in Charlotte County and moved with their family to Punta Gorda in 1971, where Conrad established his new practice.  Laura was a homemaker and former dental receptionist in her husband’s practice.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Punta Gorda where she served on various committees in the Guild of our Lady.  As a wife and mother of six children, Laura was busy, but always found time for volunteering.  She made friends easily and never forgot a birthday, anniversary or holiday.   She was kind, gentle and forgiving.

Survived by her loving family, her husband of 73 years, Dr. Conrad J. Rioux of Port Charlotte; a daughter, Lori Mayers of Annapolis, MD; four sons, Robert M. Rioux of Arcadia, FL, Dr. John P. Rioux of Port Charlotte, Thomas Rioux of Tucson, AZ and James Rioux of Midland City, AL.

She is known as Memere by 15 grandchildren: Robert, Christine, Jessica, Nicole, Jay, Laura, Corinne, Brian, Jaime, Jennifer, Stephanie, John, Danielle, Adam and Katie; and her 20 great grandchildren all of whom will miss her love, advice and friendship.

She joins her parents, her siblings, Jean, Irving and Nelson, and her daughter, Marianne, in our Lord’s loving embrace in heaven.

A Memorial Mass will be held on October 11, 2023, at 11:00AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda, Florida 33950.

Interment and further services will be held later in Connecticut.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Church. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family.  Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.