Rita Marie Bibiane Pollard

Rita lived as a strong, single woman for most of her life. This, at a time when women usually married young and stayed home to raise their children. Rita’s independence allowed her the freedom to undertake many interesting experiences. She worked at numerous Hudson’s Bay trading posts, cared for tuberculosis patients and delivered newborn babies in Northern Canada. Years later, and at a time when men dominated the field, Rita managed the “appliance and electronic departments” at The Bay in Vancouver.

Rita loved having fun and was a kid at heart. She was every niece and nephew’s favorite aunt, and remembered to mail 28 birthday cards each and every year. Playing Santa Claus at family get-togethers, giving us pony rides on her back, letting us ruffle her hair, and tying her ankles with skipping ropes were common activities when Aunty Rita flew into town from Vancouver.

Rita’s love of family was without measure, but she was also a much loved friend and gave selflessly to others, especially to the elderly and the sick. Rita treasured life and held unto it with grit and grace. She had a passion for life’s simple pleasures; a practical joke, a crossword puzzle, a road trip, a homemade casserole, a Mexican beach, or a Vancouver Canucks hockey game on television. Rita took great pride in staying healthy; she exercised daily, never overate and always stayed on top of doctor visits. She had an open mind and stayed intellectually engaged in the world around her.

When Rita was 55 years old, she met the love of her life, Ernie Pollard. Together, they enjoyed canning wild salmon, gardening, travelling south, and spending time with friends in their Abbotsford condo. Ernie and Rita were deeply devoted to each other for 26 years. After Ernie’s death, Rita moved back to Edmonton and lived at St. Andrew’s Centre, where she attended daily mass and lived independently for 8 years. In 2019, Rita suffered a stroke and moved to Venta Care Nursing Home. During those two years, she exercised daily, engaged in crafts and played Bingo. Her sense of humour and quick-wit drew the staff to her, and Rita embraced her caregivers warmly.

Rita was predeceased by her husband Ernie Pollard; parents Albert and Elizabeth Houle; sisters Germaine (Joseph) and Jeanette (Bill); brothers Léopold (Rosalie), Roger and Léonce (Doreen); and sister-in-law Vera Houle. She leaves to mourn her brother Aurel Houle; sister-in-law Betty Houle; step daughter Joan Bennett, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Sincere gratitude is extended to the staff of Venta Care Centre, who provided kind, compassionate and dignified care to Rita the last two years of her life. Cremation has taken place and following Rita’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.