Rita Johanna Vandelaar

Our dear mother, sister, Oma, Auntie and friend passed away suddenly on January 8, 2025.

Rita was born in Germany in 1956 and moved to Canada with her parents, Carolina and Marinus Vandelaar, in 1958. Rita was a big sister for Elly, Wendy and Carol-Ann and took it as her responsibility to help and support them, especially when they were young adults.

Rita was the proud mother of Meghan Johnson, Laura and Brian Young. Rita was devastated by the losses in her life including her infant daughter Laura, her parents, her niece, and the aunts, uncles and cousins she loved so much.

Rita was thrilled when she learned she would become an Oma. Meghan’s children, Alexander and Christopher brought so much joy to her life. That joy multiplied when Jenny and Brian introduced their boys Malcolm and Lachlan to the world. Rita will not be able to spend nearly as much time with her grandsons as she’d hoped, but we are so thankful that she got to welcome each one of them.

Rita was a passionate nurse. She began her career as a licensed Registered Nurse and spent most of her career in Grande Prairie’s operating rooms. A dedicated learner, she returned to university to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2004. This opened new opportunities as nurse educator and as a healthcare administrator. After 35 years of dedicated service, Rita retired in 2018.

Some of Rita’s most precious memories were made visiting family, traveling through Holland and Italy with her mom and exploring some of Canada with her children. Rita also loved art and music, especially when she could share her experience with family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Alberta Gallery of Art in accordance with her love for the arts and in honour of her memory..

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to the Canadian Red Cross in Rita’s memory.