Obituary for Rita McGrath
Strong, resilient, positive, kind, loving, artistic and spiritual are only a few words to describe our wonderful mother who was called home August 19, 2022.
Rita Ann Godin was born in Schreiber, Ontario on August 5, 1927 to parents David Gerald Godin and Marie Louise Lemaire from Calumet Island, Quebec.
Rita was married in 1949 to the love of her life Michael. Their 40 year marriage was something special that we all hoped to have one day.
Mom had seven children and losing her eldest son Thomas in a motor vehicle accident in 1982 was a devastating loss to all the family. Our mother was the one who helped us through those sad times. Mom’s faith was strong and guided her in her life. She walked in the light and her love and positivity shone through.
Mom was active in the Holy Angel’s CWL, served on the Parish Council and was a member of the choir.
Mom was one of the first telephone operators in Schreiber. She worked as a librarian in Holy Angel’s School for ten years.
Rita was a very talented and prolific painter and her art is displayed in many homes.
Mom is survived by children Ann Marie (Bob Woods), Dan (Lynn), Donna (Joe Miller), Patricia (Ralph Falcioni), Jim (Yvonne) and Maureen (Lars Holdt), 24 grandchildren: Michelle, Lindsay, Amanda, Colin, Evan, Michael, Mark, Paul, Jenna, Stephen, Jessica, Travis, Adam, Ashley, Thomas, Riley, Landon, Karleigh, Marisa, Chantal, Katie, Michael, Shannyn and Cortney, 21 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and Godchildren, her sister and lifelong friend Edna (George Ramsay), and sister-in-law Betty McGrath. Also missed by Tom’s widow Heather Jessup.
Predeceased by her husband Michael, son Thomas, brothers Leo (Margaret), Robert (Mary), Gerald (Mavis), Leonard and her sister Ethel (Jack Devon and Al Meitz).
Sincere and heartfelt thanks to Pioneer Ridge, Home Area 4, all the nursing staff, personal support workers, covid screeners, dietary, cleaning, restorative services, and recreational staff who were so loving and kind to Mom during her last years.
Special thanks to Superior Elder Care. Sherrie’s loving and caring visits over the years were a highlight for our mother.
Thanks to Dr. Graham Exley for his years of care.
Rest in peace Mom. Many of your prayers were answered. You were a wonderful mother and we will miss you.
The Mass celebrating Rita’s life is at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, St. Mark’s Chapel, 1901 Lakeshore Drive, Shuniah. We ask everyone attending to be masked.
There will be a graveside service and internment of ashes at the Schreiber Cemetery Friday, September 2 at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lake Superior District MS Chapter.
“For you Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living”
Rita Ann Godin was born in Schreiber, Ontario on August 5, 1927 to parents David Gerald Godin and Marie Louise Lemaire from Calumet Island, Quebec.
Rita was married in 1949 to the love of her life Michael. Their 40 year marriage was something special that we all hoped to have one day.
Mom had seven children and losing her eldest son Thomas in a motor vehicle accident in 1982 was a devastating loss to all the family. Our mother was the one who helped us through those sad times. Mom’s faith was strong and guided her in her life. She walked in the light and her love and positivity shone through.
Mom was active in the Holy Angel’s CWL, served on the Parish Council and was a member of the choir.
Mom was one of the first telephone operators in Schreiber. She worked as a librarian in Holy Angel’s School for ten years.
Rita was a very talented and prolific painter and her art is displayed in many homes.
Mom is survived by children Ann Marie (Bob Woods), Dan (Lynn), Donna (Joe Miller), Patricia (Ralph Falcioni), Jim (Yvonne) and Maureen (Lars Holdt), 24 grandchildren: Michelle, Lindsay, Amanda, Colin, Evan, Michael, Mark, Paul, Jenna, Stephen, Jessica, Travis, Adam, Ashley, Thomas, Riley, Landon, Karleigh, Marisa, Chantal, Katie, Michael, Shannyn and Cortney, 21 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and Godchildren, her sister and lifelong friend Edna (George Ramsay), and sister-in-law Betty McGrath. Also missed by Tom’s widow Heather Jessup.
Predeceased by her husband Michael, son Thomas, brothers Leo (Margaret), Robert (Mary), Gerald (Mavis), Leonard and her sister Ethel (Jack Devon and Al Meitz).
Sincere and heartfelt thanks to Pioneer Ridge, Home Area 4, all the nursing staff, personal support workers, covid screeners, dietary, cleaning, restorative services, and recreational staff who were so loving and kind to Mom during her last years.
Special thanks to Superior Elder Care. Sherrie’s loving and caring visits over the years were a highlight for our mother.
Thanks to Dr. Graham Exley for his years of care.
Rest in peace Mom. Many of your prayers were answered. You were a wonderful mother and we will miss you.
The Mass celebrating Rita’s life is at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, St. Mark’s Chapel, 1901 Lakeshore Drive, Shuniah. We ask everyone attending to be masked.
There will be a graveside service and internment of ashes at the Schreiber Cemetery Friday, September 2 at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lake Superior District MS Chapter.
“For you Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living”