RITA SCHILLING

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RITA SCHILLING It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of Rita Schilling at Lutheran Sunset Home on December 7, 2000 in Saskatoon, SK. Rita leaves to mourn her loving husband Otto; their children, Douglas (Michelle), Martin (Christine), Mary Lou (Guy) Brouillette, Jayna (Christopher) Tarasoff; grandchildren, Danielle, Jessie Rae, Margaux and Peter; sisters, Cecelia Schollie and Audrey Kansas; brothers, Andy (Hilda), Oliver (Vera), Elmer (Jean) and Marcel (Marg) Pitre; numerous nieces and nephews and special friends, Lavonne, Teresa and Kim. She was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Martha Pitre, and brothers, Albert, Ray and Joe. Rita was born and raised in Lac du Bonnet, MB. She worked for Manitoba Tourism, the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., CKY Radio and Standard Aero Engines in Winnipeg, where she met her husband. They were married in 1954 and made Saskatoon their home for the past 31 years of their wonderful and interesting life together. Rita stayed home to raise their children and spent her spare time writing, a passion of hers. She ventured into journalism, writing for newspapers and magazines, later expanding into freelance work for radio and television for the CBC. She also found time to write two books which she had published. Rita was a member of the Saskatchewan Writers Guild, the Media Club of Canada and ACTRA. Rita loved the outdoors: hiking, gardening, cycling, skiing and golfing. Her Shangri-La was the cottage at Brightsand Lake, which she helped build and breathe life into. She had compassion for her fellow human beings and animals in need. We all miss her culinary creations, her great stories, her singing and her laughter. A special thank you to Dr. Glover, Dr. Coode, Dr. Lichtenwald and the dedicated and caring nurses and aides of the Special Needs Unit at the Lutheran Sunset Home. There will be no public funeral service. The family will celebrate Ritas life at a private ceremony. Arrangements have been entrusted to Martens Warman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tamaras House and the Saskatoon SPCA.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 16, 2000