Mary Rita Langan

It is with sadness that the family of Rita Langan announces her death on December 20, 2018. Rita was born on November 2, 1919 in Toronto and was proud to say she was in her 100th year. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Redmond (Red); her parents Anna and Vincent Braceland; and her eight siblings: Lawrence, SJ; Phyllis, RSCJ; Jean; Hugh; Constance; Agnes; and two Infant brothers, Paul and Terry.

She is survived by her five children: Gail Summerhill (Stephen), Michael (Nancy Hopkins), John, Rem (Karey Starling) and Timothy (Minerva Tendido).

Left to cherish her memory are 9 grandchildren: Laura, Michael, Katie, Dean, Joy, Aimée, Jaime, Jennifer and Christina; 2 grandchildren by marriage, Julie-Anne and Talis; and 13 great grandchildren: Caitlyn, Sean, Colin, Brendan, Abigail, Anders, Zoe, Madeleine, Liam, Luke, Grace, Mason and Brynley.

Known as Auntie Rita to her nieces and nephews, and Dee to everyone else, she was a true family matriarch, a loving and gentle soul who personified selflessness and grace. She listened to all, had a great memory, and consoled everyone. As her nephew Michael Henchey said, she possessed an uncanny "ability to connect to the innocence we all carry inside."

She was an avid sports fan, who was also a master bridge player and teacher. When macular degeneration took her sight, she never lost her positive outlook. She knitted hundreds of cotton wash cloths, which she donated to the Markham Stouffville Hospital to raise money for those in need.

Always loving a good party, she and Red were known for opening their home to family, friends and strangers. People always said it was a privilege to know her.

Visitation will be held at the R.S.Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street, North York, on Wednesday December 26, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday December 27, 2018, at at 10:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel's Parish, 670 Sheppard Ave. E., North York.

Memorial donations may be made in Rita's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, CNIB or Ronald McDonald House Charity of Canada.

The family would like to thank her at-home caregivers, Sugi and Julie, and the doctors and nurses at Markham Stouffville Hospital, Palliative Care unit, especially Dr. Nada Malek and Nurse Mark Qu.