RITA EILEEN LUTZ (MCGILL)

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RITA EILEEN LUTZ (nee MCGILL) Rita Lutz died unexpectedly on January 13, 2011 at the age of 67. Rita leaves to mourn her husband of 44 years, Erwin Lutz, her sons Jonathan (Amber) and Timothy, and her grandson Barrett. She leaves behind three sisters and one brother, several nieces and nephews and countless other family members and close personal friends. Rita was born in 1943 in Battleford, Saskatchewan. Her favourite memories were of times spent at her grandparents' Saskatchewan farm, where she often sought solace from her difficult childhood. At the age of 18 she left home to pursue her education at the University of Saskatchewan. She worked as a teacher until 1966 when she decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. Rita always credited her trusted mentor, Dr. Jonathan Nunn, with helping her to make the decision to enroll in the registered nursing program at the Winnipeg General Hospital. Rita flourished in nursing school and formed several close friendships that she maintained for the rest of her life. Rita went on to enjoy a varied nursing career that included working at the Betel Nursing Home in Selkirk, at the Gimli Hospital and medical clinic, in the ER and department of genetics at the Health Sciences Centre, teaching at St. Amant and finally teaching Health Care Aides at South Winnipeg Technical College. In 1966 Rita met the love of her life, Erwin Lutz. They were married in 1968, and after honeymooning in Western Canada, settled down in a tiny little house in Charleswood. Rita often spoke fondly of those first few years of marriage when they were low in funds but rich with love and friendship. In 1971 Rita and Erwin welcomed their son Jonathan Erwin and were blessed again in 1976 when Timothy Andrew was born. In 1975, Rita fulfilled another lifelong dream when she and Erwin purchased their hobby farm near Petersfield, Manitoba. Life on the farm was busy and happy. Rita worked hard to balance her career as a nurse with her role as a wife and mother. She filled her home with love, laughter, friends and family, and the smell of fresh baked bread. Rita was an avid sewer, artist, gardener, cook, baker, and entertainer. She never hesitated to dig in and get her hands dirty, in the barn or otherwise. Rita loved children and they loved her. She was always initiating activities, crafts, and games for her boys and their friends and cousins to play. She made every holiday a memory to last forever. Rita raised her boys to value family, education, hard work, and respect and kindness for other people. In 1992 Rita and Erwin made the difficult decision to sell their farm and move back to Winnipeg. Rita was working in the city and commuting every day, Jonathan had already moved out to attend university, and the upkeep of the farm was becoming too much. They purchased a home in Island Lakes and focused on enjoying a simpler life. A few years later Rita retired from nursing, and with both boys now adults, she was able to spend most of her time enjoying her hobbies. Rita was known as an avid collector and bargain hunter. She loved garage sales, shopping at second-hand stores, and attending auctions. She was also known for her generosity. Rita would drop everything to help a friend or family member in need. Her many good friends trusted Rita as a confidante and shoulder to cry on without judgement. After Erwin's retirement in 2000, he and Rita decided to once again leave city life behind them and purchased acreage 30 minutes east of Winnipeg near St. Genevieve. Rita had plans to build a greenhouse and to purchase some chickens for fresh eggs and had started collecting materials for those two projects. She was also looking forward to having her 18 month-old grandson, Barrett, come to visit for a few days in the summer. Barrett was the light of her life and they shared a very special relationship. At Rita's request, a funeral will not be held. A private celebration of her life is to take place on Wednesday, January 19, 2011. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 0K6.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 17, 2011