1936-2025
Life is full of chapters, and this one has come to an end.
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mom early Saturday morning, November 29, 2025 at Hospice Peterborough.
A true new immigrant success story, Mom travelled from Germany to Toronto with her lifelong partner, Peter, in 1960. A life full of hard work and sacrifice led them to Peterborough in 1969 to begin their journey of small business owners establishing Peterborough Volkswagen in September of 1969.
The journey has been nothing less then remarkable. Rita was so quietly proud of her grandsons Eric & Graeme for leading the third generation of Eatson’s to work side by side operating the family business.
A world traveller alongside Peter, their commitment has always been to their adopted city of Peterborough and their “Schwarzwaldruh” on Clear Lake.
Rita was an accomplished accordion musician in her youth and had a lifelong love of classical music. Mom loved being in her kitchen, and many LCS boys benefited from this over the years. Rita also enjoyed volunteering by delivering meals on wheels in the early days, as well as participating in gardening and book clubs. She took all of her experiences very seriously and with devotion.
Fiercely proud of her heritage, Mom’s commitment to making sure we all understood where we came from was evident in traditions that carry on today.
She will be missed by her family, husband Peter, son Michael (Heather), and grandsons, Eric and Graeme, her sister Gerda in Germany as well as many loved family members in Germany, the UK and New Zealand.
In accordance with Rita’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will take place in her honour.
In memory of Rita, donations may be made to Hospice Peterborough, PRHC Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.comstockkaye.com.
