HUNTER, Rita

age 88 years, Mapleview Lodge, Athens, Ontario, October 23, 2022.  Mother of Kathryn Nantel (Edward, Delta, On.) and the late David Hunter. Cherished granny of Rebecca Nantel (Ottawa) and Sydney Nantel (Delta).

Rita was born in Thornaby, England, daughter of Joseph and Nellie Houston Whitehead. Predeceased by brothers Charlie and Joe and sister Edna, all of England and Connie Brooks, of Sault Ste. Marie, ON.

After moving to Sault Ste. Marie, Rita worked at Virenes on Queen Street in the shoe department, leaving sometime later to have her two children.  Rita then worked for many years for The Algoma District School Board, as a custodian, eventually retiring as head custodian at Sir James Dunn C. & V. S.

Rita enjoyed spending her free time with The Musical Comedy Guild of Sault Ste. Marie, acting, singing, and dancing in The Pajama Game and other productions.  She loved to sew and would produce mounds of Barbie clothes and pajamas for everyone at Christmas.  She was also handy with knitting needles and a crochet hook and taught her grandchildren how to make their own creations.  Rita was skilled in the kitchen and would cook and bake many mouth-watering meals and decadent desserts for her family and friends. She had a great fashion sense and always looked fabulous, a beautiful woman inside and out.  Rita spent many summers at Goulais Bay, at camp with her children, sister Connie, brother-in-law Lloyd, nieces Diane, Margaret and nephew Philip, all of whom she loved dearly.  Rita was fortunate to travel to Florida, Myrtle Beach and the East Cost with Connie and Lloyd, taking part in many adventures.  Rita was kind, had a wonderful sense of humour, and was loved by many.  Living on Primrose Drive (P-patch) for many years, she would often babysit the neighbourhood children and participate in many organized activities like pool parties and potlucks. She would suggest playing records on the portable record player in the driveway so all the neighbourhood kids could come over to “dance up a storm”.  She loved spending time with her girlfriends, playing cards and enjoying ladies weekend trips.  Over the years Rita made many trips to Delta to spend time with her Grandchildren.  It was always a time of love, excitement, fun and laughter for them when granny showed up on the Greyhound Bus. 

Sometime after retirement Rita moved to Delta, ON to live with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.  She was very comfortable in her daughter’s home, in her own granny flat.  It was the best time for all of us, fortunate to see her everyday.  She shared a special bond with Rebecca and Sydney, taking part in many day trips, participating in family and school activities and spending time at the family cottage on Lower Beverley Lake.  Our family cat Lilly even loved Rita, ditched us and spent most of her time with her in the granny flat.  Rita formed many new friendships in Delta and shared birthdays, Christmas’, holidays and celebrations with her family and new friends.  This was a happy time for her as she loved her family very much. Rita never returned to Sault Ste. Marie but still kept a connection with her girlfriends and enjoyed visits from her sister and family here in Delta.

Rita embraced every moment of her life with optimism and determination. She was most interested in other people making sure they were happy and healthy.  An extraordinary human being, who was loved and will be missed by many. 

Rita’s Ashes will be buried with her son, David John Hunter at Greenwood Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie. Arrangements entrusted to Eternal Care Cremation, Elizabethtown, Ontario.