Rita Sandra Picano

Those who knew Rita likely shared a laugh and a drink with her on the front steps of her home on Mary Avenue in Cambridge, around a campfire at the trailer near Owen Sound, or at one of the many gatherings she loved to attend.

Rita was married to her husband, Dominic, for just shy of 60 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. Our parents were loud, sarcastic, funny, and full of life. Rita and Dominic's playful banter was a source of entertainment for everyone who knew them.

Rita always made time to help anyone in need. She gave generously to many charities and had an abundance of love for her family and friends.

Together, Rita and Dominic were proud parents of three children: Lisa (Terry Desjardins), Sam (Nina Deeb), and Chris (Douglas Spear). She was a devoted Nanny to Anthony, Daniel, Mason, and Marissa, all of whom will deeply miss her love, guidance, and famous homemade pizza.

Rita's home was always open, and there was always a seat at her table. Everyone was welcome, and no one ever left her house hungry or thirsty—earning her the affectionate nickname, "The Pusher."

Born in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Rita was predeceased by her parents, George and Isabelle (Gillis) MacDougall; her brother, Mosie and wife Mary; her brother John; her sister Mary AuCoin and husband Victor; her sister Kay Gouthro and husband Dan; and her infant sister, Emma Christina. She was also predeceased by her parents-in-law, Salvatore and Maria Picano; her brother-in-law, Tony Pannozzo; and her special "outlaw" sister-in-law, Susie Picano.

Rita is survived by her sisters, Georgina Musgrave (Nova Scotia) and Diane MacDougall (Alberta); her brother-in-law, Raymond Picano (Ridgeway, Ontario); and her sister-in-law, Joanne Pannozzo (Toronto). She also leaves behind a large circle of cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She left her mark on each of them, and they too will miss her wit, sarcasm, generosity, and love.

Rita was a faithful member of St. Clement's Roman Catholic Church since 1967, where she rarely missed Sunday Mass.

We were fortunate to have Rita not only as our mother, but also as our defender, supporter, and friend. There was nothing she would not do for the people she loved.

Rita faced a long and courageous battle with dementia, which came to an end in the early hours of the morning on July 9. She was surrounded by love while listening to a traditional Cape Breton fiddle tune—a strathspey.

Although the disease gradually took pieces of her away, Rita always knew who her family was, and that knowledge remained one of her greatest comforts.

She built her life with Dominic in Ontario, but a piece of her heart always remained in Cape Breton. She returned as often as she could and always looked forward to reuniting with her family and friends there.

Our family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care Rita received from the PSWs at ParaMed, Ontario Health at Home, the staff at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, and the nurses and care staff during her time at Fairview Mennonite Home.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to her extended family of caring neighbours on Mary Avenue for the love, friendship, and support they showed throughout the years.

When you see a full moon, hear the sound of bagpipes or a fiddle, take a moment to think of Rita. She loved nature, the sunshine, every animal she encountered, and, above all, a good laugh and a sweet treat.

Rita taught us to "treat others as you would like to be treated" and to "always put yourself in the other person's shoes." Those simple words became the foundation of how she lived her life.

She may be gone from our sight, but she will never be forgotten. Her love, her laughter, and her spirit will live on in all who knew her, and we will carry her with us always.

A Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, July 18 at 10:00am at St.Clement's Roman Catholic Church, 745 Duke Street, Cambridge. Reception to follow at 12:00pm at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews Street, Cambridge. A private family interment at Park Lawn Cemetery will follow at a later date. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita's memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart & Stroke, or the Humane Society.