Rita Anne Keating

She left this world surrounded by the love of her family and her husband of 50 years and partner in adventure, Peter Mason.

The first child of the late Bernadette and Elmer, the big sister to John, Tom, Joan, Michael and Mary and a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, Rita will be forever held in the hearts of her family and friends—including the great-nieces and great-nephews who will come to know her through the traditions and memories she gave to our family.

Rita was an eternal student whose curiosity and dogged determination to learn, grow, and master new skills kept her changing throughout her 76 years—at different times an actress, a pianist, an artist, a magician, and a learner of languages, and always an ally and advocate for creatures great and small. Through all of these pursuits, she drew her greatest energy from acting as an architect of joy in the lives of others: curating a gift meant just for you, planning a gathering down to the smallest details, mapping out a surprise getaway, counting down the days until Christmas, and awaiting the smile she was about to put on your face with a bigger one on hers.

When the light of Rita’s love shone on you, it was unmistakable. We hope to honour her memory by reflecting that light outward.

Family will be celebrating Rita’s life in private and laying her to rest at Resurrection Cemetery.

Donations in Rita’s memory can be made to the Toronto Wildlife Centre