Rita’s Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Rita Egerton Mitchell of Paris, formerly of Tillsonburg, announce her passing on November 12, 2022, at the age of 90. Rita passed peacefully after several weeks of family visits and wonderful care at the Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford, Ontario.
Rita was born in Chester, England on June 14, 1932, to Frederick Walter Davis and Hilda Davis (nee Snelson) and was raised in her childhood home until she emigrated to Canada in her early twenties. Rita trained in the food service and hospitality industries in England and brought those skills with her to Canada. As the daughter of a railway employee, she had a community of railway employees helping her once she landed in Canada, and she secured employment as a private chef.
She met her future husband, Alexander (Sandy) a few years later, and they knew they were meant to be together. After a courtship lasting just twelve weeks, they were married on December 19, 1959. Rita moved around in the early years of marriage, settling in Tillsonburg in 1968. Not only did she spend her time running the household and keeping her family organized, she volunteered countless hours with the Hospital Auxiliary and Tillsonburg Minor Hockey. She could often be heard on the PA System congratulating a goal scorer, or detailing a player’s penalty.
Rita was an avid gardener, maintaining large flower and vegetable gardens where ever she lived. She preserved the fruit and vegetables for all to enjoy, including this past summer when she oversaw the rhubarb harvest and donated it to local community groups. When she was not gardening, Rita was an avid reader, with a well-worn library card to prove it. Reading multiple books every week was normal.
Rita loved the visits from the grandchildren – often taking them for sleepovers. Her culinary expertise was always on display as the family gathered for holiday celebrations.
Rita is predeceased by her husband Sandy (2021) and survived by her sons Ian (Janette) and Bruce (Patti) as well as her grandchildren Scott (Caitlin), Lisa Modesto (Ryan), Kirstin Stevenson (Matthew), Kellsie, Kailee and three great-grandchildren, Alexander and James Modesto and Vivian Mitchell.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Bernadette McNeil for her compassion and care over the past years. The family also wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care shown by the entire staff at the Stedman Community Hospice.
A reception and celebration of Rita’s life will take place at the DWAYNE D. BUDGELL Funeral Home, 1105 Rest Acres Road, in Paris on Thursday, November 17, 2022 between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. In accordance with Rita’s expressed wishes, cremation has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rita’s honour can be made to the Stedman Community Hospice (www.sjlc.ca/stedman-community-hospice-1) or to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences and donations may be made at www.budgellfuneralhome.ca
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rita Egerton Mitchell nee Davis 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Paris, Province: Ontario