Passed peacefully away in her 97th year, Rita Mary Tompkins(nee Cashin), long time resident of Gander.
Born and raised ‐ and very proud of her heritage ‐ in Gambo, NL, she was predeceased by her husband
Miles(1972) and sisters Kathleen, Gertrude, Francis, Mary, and Angela, brothers Gregory, William and
John.
Celebrating her life are her daughters Deborah (David) and Diane, of Ontario and son Paul (Brenda) of
Alberta, along with her sister Mildred Cochrane(James, deceased), as well as grandchildren Matthew,
Michael, Adam and Bryan, great grandchildren Amelia, Cormac and Alexa. Rita is also celebrated by
many relatives, friends and acquaintances made throughout her seven plus decades in Gander.
In her formative years, Rita worked during the Second World War in Gander, initially on the Canadian
Side, and then at Signals, where she took great delight in telling her friends about the “top secret”
comings and goings of famous movie stars when they made refuelling stops on their transatlantic flights
to visit the troops. Years later she re‐entered the workforce as a librarian and endeared herself to many,
with her gentle and kind demeanor, and sense of humour.
Rita was a woman of quiet inner determination who raised and educated three children largely on her
own, with the help of incredible life long friends, family and community. She grew up during the
tumultuous years of the 20’s and 30’s, when times were very difficult, and the lessons she learned
guided her throughout her life. She loved a game of cards with her friends, a good book, the internet,
and when (dared) called upon, a spirited discussion of which few could match her memory and tenacity.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Rita was a proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother, a friend to many, and generous with her
time and love.
A full life well lived.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rita Mary Tompkins Thursday August 13th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Gander, Province: T-N