RITA MARIE HOF (NÉE DESAULNIER

RITA MARIE HOF (NÉE DESAULNIERS) June 22, 1946 ~ October 11, 2026 Rita Marie Hof (née Desaulniers) passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat at the age of 80. Rita was the second oldest child of Wilfrid and Julianna Desaulniers, growing up on a farm in Lafond, near the town of St. Paul. She lived and studied in Edmonton, marrying Henk and then settling in Medicine Hat where she built a family and a life full of faith and surrounded by love. Rita is survived by Henk, her devoted and loving husband of 58 years; her children, Suzanne, Michelle (Javier) and Fraser (Becky) as well as her grandchildren, Sofie, Isaac, Pippa, Mara and Pascal.
Rita loved her extended family and spent many holidays with them. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Henri (Irene), Denise (Aurele), René (Patti), Bernie, Gerry (Irene), Madeleine (Brian) and Claire (Dwayne). She is predeceased by her parents, Julianna and Wilfrid; brothers, Andy and Guy; parents-in-law, Veronica and Mathijs and also by Donna, Emily, Victoria, Ludo, Theo, Cathy and Garry. She is also survived by members of Henk’s family, John (Suzanne), Rena (Hamid), Trudy (Rod), Margaret (Craig) and Angela (Ludo).
Rita earned a B.Ed. from the University of Alberta and taught at many elementary schools throughout Medicine Hat, ending her career at Mother Teresa School. She was an important and supportive figure in the lives of many hundreds of students over the years and had a special affinity for those who needed extra grace and skillful support. After retiring in 2001, she remained active in the teaching community as a substitute teacher in both the English and French-language school systems. Rita was also active in her faith, contributing to the parish community for decades as a children’s liturgy leader and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s and Holy Family parishes. She joined the Catholic Women’s League early in her life and served as a CWL member for over 50 years. Rita loved to travel, seeing much of North America and visiting Europe and the Caribbean. Some of her favourite trips were also expressions of her faith, such as her visit to the Vatican and an audience with Pope John Paul II.
Rita. Loved. Sports. She was an avid fan of many teams (Go Tigers!) and brought a profound joy to many events. Rita also loved guardian angels in all their forms. It is fitting, then, that she served as a guardian, protecting and caring for so many in her long life.
Funeral Celebration Holy Family Parish 1451 Strachan Road S.E., Medicine Hat, AB. Friday, October 23, 2026 Eulogy To Be Shared At 10:45 a.m. Funeral Mass Celebrated At 11:00 a.m. Father Fernando Genogaling Celebrant Reception To Follow In The Parish Hall Private Interment At Hillside Cemetery Rita’s Celebration will be live-streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience her Funeral Mass may do so by visiting the Cook Southland Funeral Chapel website and selecting the Live-Streaming button on the home page at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”