6 June, 1927- 8 May, 2019
“Rita” Potter (MacPhee) - 91- passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care unit at Cape Breton Regional Hospital with family by her side.
Mom enjoyed her last 5 years at My Cape Breton Home in Westmount. Most of her married life she and Dad lived on Woodill Street then moved to Parkview Drive once the children left. She was the daughter of the late James and Annie (MacArthur) MacPhee. She is survived by her children: Gardiner (Jean); Frank (Marion); Linda Shaw (Ronnie); Colleen Robbins (Jon) Halifax; Rob (Lisa) Dartmouth; and grandchildren: Aaron & Garth; Danielle & Michelle; Breagh & Gillian; Liam (Melanie) and Jeff ; Cate & Rachel; Riley & Laura; great grandchildren: Jackson & Grace. Known as “Reet” by her siblings, she is survived by: Donnie (Annie); “Leenie” Kathleen Simpson (Elmer) North Augusta, ON; and Jim (Marg). She was predeceased by her loving husband, Frank, in 1998, and son, Jamie, in 2010; her siblings: “Nin” Mary O’Connell (Bill); “Jose” John (Ollie); Jean Butler (Bill); Tommy (Joan); Margie Heron (Pat); Ann Wyslowski (John).
Mom graduated from Sydney Academy with a stenographer diploma, which led to her employment at the Bank of Montreal until she was expecting her first child. She was naturally active, always skating, swimming, biking, walking, bowling and dancing. When she wasn’t cooking and baking for her family, she and dad were socializing and entertaining. The family spent 50 summers at Ben Eoin Beach Campground where many special friends and memories were made. Mom continued with the tradition on her own for years after Dad’s death. Travelling with the trailer brought them on adventures across Canada and throughout the US, first with the kids, and later with friends. She was an avid sports fan, passionate about golf, curling and hockey, being a lifelong Habs fan and a long time CB Oilers and Screaming Eagles season’s pass holder.
During Mom’s time at My CB Home she was an active participant in nightly card games, karaoke, daily exercise programs, musical entertainment, bingo, and was the reigning Wii bowling champ. She made close bonds with the residents and staff which meant so much to the family.
Mom’s gentle ways, competitive spirit, and resiliency will be sadly missed. We are happy she is at peace now and will be greeted by Dad and Jamie in heaven. She was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to her former physician, Dr. Greg Myatt, and staff; Sherry and loving staff at My CB Home; Dr. Murdock Smith; CBRH emergency room staff; and the caring staff and volunteers at the Palliative Care Unit.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, May 13, at 11:00am with celebrant Andrew Chapman at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George Street, Sydney, with reception to follow. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton. Online condolences can be made at www.twcurry.com.
“We had a wonderful life.” - Rita Potter
