“Rita”
Feb. 25, 1945-Dec. 19, 2010
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret “Rita” D’Souza. Her nine-month struggle with cancer came to an end on December 19th, 2010 at Cascade Hospice, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Allan; her eldest daughter, Elaine Reitsma (Chris); her only son, Paul (Rhianna); her youngest daughter, Siobhan; and her two grandchildren Adrienne and Darien Reitsma; all from Chilliwack. She is also survived by her sisters, Ann Brennan (Mick) and Mary O’Loughlin (Gerry), and her brothers, Willie and Paddy (Peggy) Powell, all from Ireland. She was predeceased by her mother, Mary Powell, her brother, Gerard Powell, and her father, Patrick Powell. We are sure that they took her hand to guide her to heaven, just as we had to let go of it here on earth.
Rita was born in County Clare, Ireland on February 25th, 1945. In 1964, she completed her nursing training in England and won the honor of being the youngest Head Nurse in the Greater London area. She met her husband, Allan in 1967 when he made an unfortunate trip to her emergency room. They were married in England in 1970. In 1973, 3 months after the birth of their first child, Elaine, they moved to Chilliwack, and have resided here ever since. Two more children, Paul, and Siobhan, followed over the next 6 years.
Rita’s life revolved around her children and great efforts were made to ensure they had every opportunity. For a number of years, Rita was an active member of the Chilliwack Academy of Music Board of Directors. When her children were grown, Rita put her nursing training back to use as a care aide at The Waverly Retirement Home, formerly known as “Grosvenor House”.
We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who’ve surrounded our family, and particularly our mom, with their love, kindness, and prayers over the last year. A special thank you to the Cascade Hospice for their extra special care of Rita.
An evening prayer service for Rita will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, December 27th and her funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, December 28th at 11:00 am, both at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. There will be a reception after the funeral service at St. Mary’s Church Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Rita’s name to the Chilliwack Hospice Society www.chilliwackhospice.org/donations.html; The Canadian Diabetes Society; Caring Bridge www.caringbridge.org/donate; or a charity of your choice.