Rita Anderson

Rita Anderson  (nee Adey)

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Rita Anderson on August 25th, 2014 at Portage General Hospital at the age of 78 years.

Mom will be lovingly remembered by her 5 daughters and chosen son: Donna Anderson of Minnedosa, Cathy Jackson (Cornell) of Portage, Margie (Mark) Peters of Simcoe Ontario, Helen (Kevin) Nicol of Lower Sackville, NS. Darlene (Brian) Munro of Portage, Kelly (Felicia) Cheesman of Portage; grandchildren: Devon and great granddaughter Taylor, Kaleigh (Dana) and great granddaughter Jordyn, Jenelle (Brett), Jace and great granddaughter Peyton, Josh (Taylor), Zack, Amanda (Matt), Samantha, Tara, Breanne (Marcel), Alex (Laura), Brody, Nikki (Jay) great grandchildren, Addison and Izabelle, grandson Mike (Rachelle), Tine (Neal) great granddaughter Miranda, Angie (Jim) great grandchildren Altson, Derrick and Kali, grandchildren Gabe, Keira and Kaseigh.

Mom is also survived by sisters Margaret O'Brien of Bay Bulls NFLD, Maria (Matt) Prim of St. John's NFLD, Helen (Kevin) Knox of Portage, brother John (Mary) Adey of St. John NB. In-laws Ken (Marguerite) Anderson of Innisfail Alta, Helen (Glenn) Miller of Swift Current Sask, Laura Anderson of Regina Sask, numerous nieces, nephews and extended families.

Mom was predeceased by her parents Mary & John Adey, husband Edward (Andy), siblings Maureen Picco, Martin Adey and Theresa in infancy. Parents-in-law Katherine & Magnus Anderson, in laws Gordon Picco, Louise Anderson, John Anderson, Albert Anderson, Walter O'Brien, several special nephews and nieces.

Mom was a nurse! From when she was a little girl that's all she wanted to be! She graduated from Littledale boarding school for girls and headed into nursing, graduating with her RN in 1958 from St. John's General Hospital. Mom gained employment at St. Clairs Mercy Hospital working on medical and surgical. This is where she met our dad Andy, fell in love and they were married in July 1959. Dad took mom to Sask to meet his family and live there while he went on course with the Armed Forces. Mom gained employment for 3 months at Bengough Union Hospital as a head nurse. Dad was transferred to Chicoutimi, Quebec where mom gained employment at Hotel Dieu St. Vallier in the Neonatal Unit, in this time Donna, Cathy and Margie were born. Mom went to work at Arvida General Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology, from there mom went back to Hotel St. Vallier working on the female medical unit and the Intravenous Team, here is where Helen was born. Dad was transferred to Portage where mom became employed at Portage General Hospital in October 1966 as a head nurse on medical. Mom was a determined and strong willed woman, so when she was told only the doctors did IVs she told them that she would be doing them as well because she was Not going to lose her skills she learned on the IV team! Mom was the first nurse in PGH to do IVs! After 6 months they promoted her to evening supervisor! In March 1967 Darlene was born.  Mom thrived on educating herself to keep up with current trends in health care, therefore taking several courses in coronary care, supervisory management, emergency care, communications, reading EKGs, Training the Trainer, management concepts, management leadership and computer programming.

Mom retired in October 1998 when the love of her life was dying with cancer. Dad passed away in December leaving a huge void in her life! Her brother Marty lived with her which brought her so much happiness until his passing in February 2008.

Mom's love and compassion spoke columns in all aspects of her life, not just nursing but with her children and anyone with whom she met!  Mom loved people, and it didn't matter what stature or color they were, she treated them with love and respect!

Mom was spiritual and passed that onto her children and grandchildren. Life was too short and had to be lived! She loved to travel, play games, laugh and joke, dance, cook and take lots of pictures.  Family meant everything to her. Mom was very generous and always wanted to help and care for her children and grandchildren (the nurse in her). She was the go to person for food, clothing, gas, health, education, love and hugs! She meant a lot of different things to so many people.

May the memory you all hold of Rita bring warmth and a smile to you every time you think of her!

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 from 7:00pm - 8:00pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Good Shepard Roman Catholic Church at 11:00 am.

Donations may be made to Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Sask. Ave. E, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N OK8, Good Shepherd Parish Building Fund, 114 Countess Ave, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 0T2, Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 Fifth St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8 or a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com