Rita died peacefully in her home at Pine Grove Nursing Home on July 31, 2016 with her family at her side. Born on Aug 17, 1922 in Formosa, ON. Rita married the late Douglas S. Johnson on Dec 22, 1945 in Toronto. They had 12 children and lived an exciting life together for 54 years.
We celebrate her long, happy and well-lived life. Rita is survived by her 12 children, Earl (Shirley), Patricia (James), Robert (Debbie), John (Kim), Charles, Thomas (Jennifer), Elizabeth (Chris), Julie (Don), Peggy (Don), Susan (Ian), Caroline (Michael), Laura (Randy) and 27 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, brother Clair (Leigh), sisters Blanche (Gilmore), Marianne (Steve), Joyce (Aidan), 34 nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband Douglas who died in 1999, sisters Laverne and Sister Marjorie and brothers Nelson and Gerald Kuntz predeceased her. Rita was a parishioner of both St. Dunstan’s and Holy Family Roman Catholic churches and a member of the CWL. She loved playing bridge, curling, gardening and enjoyed the outdoors. She took up Rug Hooking later in her life. Rita was a wonderful, loving and caring mother who dedicated her life to raising her family whom she loved deeply. She was fun, loved to laugh, sing and had a great sense of humor. She had an infectious smile and never complained about what life had sent her way. There will be no formal visitation hours by request, however a time for greeting and sharing of memories will be held at a reception at St. Dunstan’s Monsignor Boyd Centre following a Mass of Christian Burial to be held from St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church, Regent St, Fredericton NB on Friday August 5, 2016 at 12:05 with Fr. Bill Brennan as Celebrant. The family will hold a private interment at a later date.
The family would like to thank the staff and doctors of Pine Grove Nursing Home for the professional care and consideration given to our dear mother. In addition a special thanks to Kyla Abernethy, Director of Nursing for her detailed attention to Rita’s care.In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial tributes to Pine Grove Nursing Home. Personal condolences can be left at www. bishopsfuneralhome.com.
