"That can’t be right" has been Rita’s response whenever the subject of her age came up recently. After a very full life, Rita died peacefully in her 94th year on December 18th, 2022. She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and Alec MacDougall, her much loved brothers and sisters, Hannah, Al, Joe, Florence, Marguerite, as well as her husband and favourite dance partner of 46 years, our Dad, Vern Love.
Much as it was at her own parents’ home in Trenton, everyone was welcome at Rita’s table. As a result, the house on Athabaska seemed like it was always full of people. Rita and Vern made many wonderful lifelong friends in that idyllic neighbourhood. Dad’s colleagues and customers were frequent welcome visitors, as were many cousins, nieces, nephews, and neighbours.
Steven and Susan’s friends became Rita’s friends, dropping by for a cup of tea, a hand of cards, or a chat on the bench under the carport at all hours of the day or night (looking at you, Susan & Karen). Many more friends were made in bowling leagues, card clubs, quilting circles and at church. Rita faithfully attended mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary every Sunday for almost 50 years.
Rita will be remembered for many things: her hospitality and kindness, the pot of tea that was always on the stove, the deck of cards at the ready, and the endless supply of mints she carried in her purse to share with friends and strangers alike. Rita’s quick wit was another trademark, still enjoyed by the wonderful ladies who cared for Rita at McNair Manor right up until the end.
Rita is survived by her beloved children, Steven and Susan, their equally loved spouses Charlotte and Chris, and the lights of her life, her grandchildren: Hannah, Sophie and Simon Love and Eliza and Angus MacDonald. She also leaves behind her cherished younger sister Marie Moores, sisters-in-law, Sharon Love and Bette Tomlinson, brothers-in-law, Bob Fonseca and Percy Hayne, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews and their families, all of whom she loved.
There is a saying that we don’t truly die until our name is spoken aloud for the last time. We ask that you continue to tell your stories about Rita, honouring her life and keeping her memory alive for years to come.
The funeral mass will be celebrated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church 5 Fatima Dr. on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at 11:00am with Fr. Phil Mulligan presiding. The family will receive family and friends at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center 330 Whitepine Rd. Riverview (869-2007) prior to the service from 9:45am until the time of departure to the church at 10:45am. Following the service there will be a reception held at the Dan Bohan Centre. The service will be streamed online on the Church Facebook page.
To view the memorial tribute please click here