RITA EDNA GRACE BOYD (TEMPLE)

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RITA EDNA GRACE BOYD (nee TEMPLE) January 4, 1928 December 28, 2006 With her loving family at her side, at Yucalta Lodge, Campbell River, after nine years of being tormented by the disease of Lewy Body Dementia (a form of Alzheimers), Rita Boyd is now at peace and is looking down on all of us with her special smile. Predeceased by Walter, her devoted husband of 49 years, she leaves to mourn her daughter Leanne, son Patrick (Jeanette), daughter Kathleen Barrett, and her most precious granddaughters, Nicole and Karianne whom she will watch over forever. She is also survived by adopted daughters, Jacqueline and Jacquie, dear niece Eileen, several nieces and nephews, and life-long friends. Rita was predeceased by her parents, John and Zita Temple (Hébert), her brothers, Albert, Wilfred and Victor, and her sister, Alice. Rita was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and in 2000 moved to Campbell River to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Rita was a person who was always involved in caring for others, especially her family. Music was mom's universal language singing, playing instruments, dancing always, and to the last minutes to her life on earth, a source of great peace and joy. Rita was a devout Catholic and was involved with the various Catholic churches in her community, especially Blessed John XXIII, and spent numerous volunteer hours working for various charities and community causes. She loved all sports, especially golf, curling, swimming, dancing and long distance running. Rita's favourite job was looking after her family, but she also worked in the university and business sectors. Despite the ongoing ravages of the disease, Rita always had a smile and a cheery word for everyone. We will remember forever her kindness and her wonderful laugh. Rita and the family will always be grateful to the many special angels who helped to make her last years happier and more fulfilling. We thank Mom's Victoria Beach family; Bill Wilson, Joie and Fraser Gelley, Ethel Laidlaw, Diane and Terry Boyce. Rita's constant dream was to be able to experience Victoria Beach one more time. We thank Mom's caregivers Karen, Pam, Deirdre, and Josie. We thank Adele Halowaty for her support and for always being there; Monsignor Chartrand and Father Bill MacDonald for their spiritual support; Doctors, Sutherland, Deans and West for their attention and respectful care. We thank the many caring and dedicated professionals at Yucalta Lodge for their loving care of Rita over the past four years. Rita came to regard many of you as her family and appreciated your compassion and kindness. As Rita's family, we sincerely thank you all for your expertise, your dedication and mostly for seeing the person, and not the patient. We love you all and we thank you. Father Bill MacDonald celebrated a Roman Catholic mass on Saturday, December 30, 2006 for Mom's neighbours at Yucalta Lodge. A Celebration of Rita's life will be said by Monsignor Chartrand at Blessed John XXIII (Assiniboia Christian Centre, 3390 Portage Avenue) on Wednesday, January 3, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in Rita's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Society or Yucalta Lodge, 555 Second Avenue, Campbell River, B.C. V9W 3V1 Finally reunited with her childhood sweetheart and husband Walter, may our dear Mom and Didi rest in peace forever.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2007