RITA INGE HILDEGARD SCHRITT (SOMMER)

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RITA INGE HILDEGARD SCHRITT (nee SOMMER) Peacefully, with family at her side, Rita left us on Tuesday, April 30, 2013. Rita was born on December 23, 1933 in Berlin, Germany. She grew up during the Second World War and endured many hardships. In 1954, at the age of 21, she immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada where she met the love of her life. On August 10, 1957, Rita married Adolf (Ado) Schritt, Jr. Together they raised their two daughters in the house that Ado helped build in Kirkfield Park, on the outskirts of Winnipeg. Rita and Ado shared a love of the outdoors and spent many weekends and summer vacations in the Whiteshell Provincial Park, camping, fishing, hiking, and blueberry picking. In the late 1970s, they built their dream cottage in Auglen Park, near Lac du Bonnet. Their plan was to eventually retire there. Sadly, Ado passed away suddenly and Rita was widowed at the young age of 49; she had lost her soul mate. The cottage was sold, but she refused to part with the house that Ado built. Rita had many hobbies and passions. She was renowned for her cooking and baking abilities. Each year she carefully seeded and tended her garden and was rewarded throughout the summer and fall with an abundance of fresh vegetables which she always shared with family and friends. Her yard and flower garden were the envy of many. In the winter months, she enjoyed knitting and sewing. Each spring, she eagerly awaited the return of her hummingbirds at the feeders. She instilled her love of the outdoors, gardening, camping, cooking and needlework in her daughters and granddaughters. Rita was predeceased by her beloved Ado in 1982, her mother Charlotte in 1991, her father Bruno in 1992, brother Klaus in 1942, her in-laws, Rosalie and Adolf Sr., as well as brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, August, Heinrich, and Frieda. She is survived by her daughter Nancy of Winnipeg, daughter Shirley (Marcel) of Brandon, and granddaughters Karen (Dan) of Calgary and Brigitte (Chris) of Ottawa, as well as her brother Jürgen of Germany, brothers-in-law Henry (Connie), and Nick (Carol), sister-in-law Hulda, and many nieces and nephews and their children. She touched many lives throughout the years with her strength, fortitude, and generosity. Her presence will be missed by family and friends alike. The family wishes to thank Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the staff of Health Science Centre SICU for their care of Mom / Granny during her final days. A special thank you to Uncle Henry and Aunt Connie for their loving support during a difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to one of Mom's favourite places to visit, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, 55 Pavilion Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N6. In keeping with Mom's wishes, a private Service celebrating Rita's life will take place on Saturday, May 4 in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik's Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Avenue at Sharp Boulevard, Winnipeg. Wojcik's Funeral Home & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, 204-897-4665, wojciksfuneralchapel.com To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me When I am gone, release me, let me go I have so many things to see and do, You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears; Be happy that we had so many years. I gave to you my love, you can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness I thank you for the love you each have shown, But now it's time I travelled on alone. So grieve a while for me if grieve you must; Then let your grief be comforted by trust, It's only for a while that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on; So if you need me, call and I will come, Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear All of my love around you soft and clear. And then when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say "Welcome Home." Author Unknown Rest peacefully, Mom / Granny. Give Dad / Grampa hugs and kisses from all of us. We love you and miss you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 03, 2013