Rita Wheeler

Peacefully in the early hours of March 5, 2018 at the Lions Prairie Manor, Rita Wheeler died at the age of 97.

Born to Philadelphe and Lea (Chretien) Lafrance on October 20, 1920 at Sturgeon Falls, Ont., Rita was the youngest of seventeen children.  She was apprenticed to a hairdresser until she met and married Victor Wheeler in 1937.

Mom truly enjoyed being a wife, mother and homemaker, and brought many skills to these employments. A talented seamstress, cook and hairdresser, she was able to stretch available funds to the limit. Never happier than when at her sewing machine or making dolls or crocheting another afghan, it was a sad day when this was no longer possible due to vision impairment.

Predeceased by all her siblings, husband Victor in 1995, infant children Roy and Betty, son Glenn and son-in-law Joseph Howe in 2009, Mom is gratefully and lovingly remembered by her children Linda (John) Leafloor, Bonny Howe, John (Penny) Wheeler and Mark (Silvia) Wheeler;  as well as ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place as Mom wished, and she will be interred at a graveside service in the Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo, Ont. at a later date.

Donations in memory of Rita may be made to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation 24-9TH ST. SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3V4.

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