RITA MARGARET FITZGERALD

With her family around her, Rita Margaret Fitzgerald went home to the Lord on Tuesday, July 6, 2010.
Rita was born at the family homestead in Tottenham, Ont. on April 9, 1933. She was the daughter of Thomas and Teresa Eagan.
Rita attended school in Colgan, Ont., where she graduated in 1950. She attended nursing school at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Toronto, graduating in 1954.
At her brother Gerry’s wedding in 1954 (the day after Hurricane Hazel), she met her future husband, Edward Fitzgerald. Ed and Rita were married on July 21, 1956 at St. James Parish in Colgan.
They began their life together in Toronto, Ont., where they started their family. In 1966, the family moved to London, Ont., where they remained until 1977, when they came to Fort Frances, Ont.
Rita was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Parish and a member of the Catholic Women’s League. Rita’s faith was alive and a very important part of her life.
Rita was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, and friend.
Rita enjoyed her work as a nurse at Rainycrest and had many hobbies through her life. She was an avid gardener, and loved to include her grandchildren when she was working out in the vegetable patch in her backyard.
Rita made her family beautiful quilts that they will treasure always. She also loved to travel to visit her children and grandchildren in Everett, Wash., and Ajax and Ottawa, Ont.
Rita delighted in boating on Rainy Lake and overseeing many fishing trips with her family. In recent years, she treasured her time at the cabin, where she had a special “Nanny bedroom” reserved for her at all times.
Rita is survived by her children, Ted (Anne Marie), Tom (Carol), Terry (Leigh), Tim (Rosemary), and Trevor (Corrina); and grandchildren, Brendan, Erin (Dave), Sarah, Mary, Ellen, Caitlin, Ashley, Matthew, Ryan, Samantha, Stephen, Bradley, Kevin, and Emily.
Rita surely will be watching from Heaven for her new little grandchild expected in September.
Rita also is survived by her brothers, Gerry, Ed, and Pat.
Rita was predeceased by her father, Thomas, and her mother, Teresa; her husband of 48 years, Ed; and her brothers, Charlie, John, and Vince.
Rita will be remembered lovingly by her family and many friends whom she held so dear.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 9, 2010 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with prayers offered at 7:30 p.m.
Mass of the Resurrection will be held Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Francis Pudicherry officiating.
Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The pallbearers will be Rita’s grandsons, Brendan, Matthew, Ryan, Stephen, Bradley, and Kevin.
The honourary pallbearers will be all of Rita’s family and friends.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 920 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N4, St. Mary’s Building Fund, 209 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B8, or Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc.–La Verendrye General Hospital, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Rita’s gentle kindness and love for her family will be cherished in our hearts forever.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com