Rita Mary Duncan

Rita Mary Brindle was born in Calgary, Alberta on July 20, 1941 to Robert Brindle and Margaret (Shahun) Brindle. She spent her early childhood in Canada until her family moved from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Cleveland, Ohio when Rita was 9 years old. She attended Holy Cross Roman Catholic School where she met lifelong friend, Pattie Hanley. After graduating from Villa Angela Academy High School, she attended St. John Hospital School of Nursing, where she met her lifelong friend, the late Kitty Burke.

After graduating from nursing school, she went to work as a nurse in San Francisco. Shortly thereafter, she married Richard "Tom" Cleary. As a military wife, she moved, alot; all the while delivering and raising four children. Each child received a special hereditary trait from Rita. Robert (Bob), an intense dedication to friends and family. Jim, the ability to laugh, love and cry; sometimes at the same time. Colleen, the ability to focus on what is important with family and friends. Kathy, a gift to look at a situation and see the good. And then somehow add to that good. Rita’s love for her children was immeasurable. She did not have the capacity to just love a little. Rita’s children are going to miss her laugh.

Rita returned to nursing after her children were older. In addition to her full time nursing career, she was an active year round swim team mom. She wore many medical hats before retirement. Her last was her most special and loved, outpatient chemo nurse. After her children became adults, Rita moved from San Diego to Walnut Creek, California to be closer to her parents.

Later in life, Rita met Greg Duncan. They fell in love. They got married. They bought numerous houses, moved many times until finally settling down in Colorado. They attended the theater, operas, concerts, visited casinos and just had fun being together. They loved to do slow road trips to see family in California and Texas where along the way, Rita would sing and Greg would laugh. 25 years seems like a long time but not long enough.

Rita passed away on January 9, 2023 in Longmont, Colorado. She had been dealing with major health issues for several years that eventually overwhelmed her body. Her final days were consumed with love from her family and husband Greg. She passed peacefully the same way she treated life; with love, dignity and grace.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, her younger brother Bobbie and her uncle, RC Father Alec Shahun. She is survived by her husband, Greg, and by her children and grandchildren; Robert Cleary (wife Lisa) (grandchildren Kendra, Dalton, Maren); Jim Cleary (wife Maria) (grandchildren Garrett, Michela, Camryn); Colleen Schaefer (husband Adam) (grandchildren Brian, Dana); Kathy Fisher (husband Barry) (grandchildren Brendan, Megan). Rita is also survived by brothers Tom (wife Marti) and Pat (wife Iris) and their children and grandchildren. A very special thanks to neighbor Nancy Weisz for always helping when needed! Also, thank you Father Teri Harroun and thank you Dr. Tim Govaerts!

A Funeral Mass will be held on April 27, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Light Of Christ Ecumenical Catholic Community, 1000 West 15th Ave, Longmont, Colorado. A short reception will follow. Rita’s service can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/rita.duncan.10. A final road trip with Rita’s ashes will conclude with a beach party and spreading of her ashes into Monterey Bay off the coast of California. Ashes from Rita and Greg’s beloved yellow lab Spooner will be going along to help out. Spooner loved the water and Rita couldn't swim (Rita absolutely loved that idea).

God Bless!