RILEY Mary
Posted: March 13th, 20131922 ~ 2013
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Mary “Rita” Riley (Windle) of West Highlands, Lethbridge at the age of 90 years. She was the daughter of the late John Windle and Mary Windle (O’Malley). She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald Charles Riley, a half-brother, Joseph O’Reagan and her sister, Grace Windle.
She is survived by her four children, Paul (Amy) Riley of San Jose, CA, Dawn (Gordon) Owen of Calgary, Chris (Alison) Riley of Gilroy, CA, and Ann (Scott) Billard of Lethbridge; and 23 grandchildren who adored her.
Born in St. John, New Brunswick, Rita was very devoted to her faith and family. She spent her young years in New Brunswick, moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia with her husband to raise her family and remained there for over 40 years. In her senior years, she moved to Lethbridge, Alberta to be closer to family and remained there until her passing.
Rita had many interests and passions. She loved to paint, had a library of books, enjoyed a good meal with friends and family, loved music and was unceasingly dedicated to her family. She was true to her faith and never wavered in her beliefs. She supported and was involved in many organizations. From her young years she was involved in the CYO Drama League of which she received many accolades for her performances. She was a gifted seamstress and an avid painter which she continued until her late 80’s. She supported many Catholic charities and societies who will remember her fondly.
Thank you to everyone who kept Rita in their prayers, offered masses for her and a special thanks to the West Highland Staff and the amazing girls who worked so diligently to provide comfort to mom in her final days. We will never forget your kindness.
In lieu of floral arrangements, donations can be made to: Daughters of Mary, St Joseph’s Novitiate, PO Box 205 Round Top, NY 12473 or Heart and Stroke, Box 2211 Lethbridge, AB T1J 4K7, or Immaculate Heart Seminary, PO Box 56 Round Top, NY, 12473, or Good Samaritan’s West Highlands, 2687 Garry Drive West, Lethbridge, AB T1J 5A3.
A Visitation will take place from 6:00pm-8:00pm with a Recitation of the Rosary beginning at 7:30pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610- 4th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A private family Requiem Mass will be celebrated at a later date.
Final Interment will take place in the family plot located in Nova Scotia.
Send condolences at www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361 Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
www.mbfunerals.com
Our sincere condolences for your loss, death is indeed an enemy because when God created Adam and Eve he created them to live forever. Please find comfort in knowing that God has a wonderful purpose for all of us, an eternity of life in peaceful conditions( psalmes37:9,11,29) reunited with our loved ones.
Dawn.
Remember fondly our family visits to your mom rita, with our dad, her brother Joe, she was very kind to us kids. Her sister graces Xmas gifts to us kids in Toronto were anticipated with much excitement. I regret we fell out of touch in later years. Anne O’Regan Wong, Ottawa. Have indecent years reconnected with Rita’s half brother toms adult children norah, grace, and jack, and their families here in Ottawa. Wonderful people. Again, sorry for the loss of a wonderful woman.