Rita Marie Wrubel

Surrounded by family, Rita Marie Doreen Wrubel (née Cardinal) passed away peacefully at the age of 84. She leaves behind her husband of 63 years, Joe; her sister Margaret (John); her children, Richard (Carol), Lisa (Lon), and Raymond (Marlene); as well as her grandchildren, Kari (Andrew), Amy (Mitch), Kevin, Cara (Brett), Mark (Ruthie), Alana (Joey), Julia (Kyle), Justin, Jade (Dylan); and great-grandchildren Kira, Ava, Mia, Owen, Miles and Everett; and her many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Laura Cardinal; her brothers, John and Gerald; and her sister-in-law, Wanda (Joe), and nephew Bob. Will be missed by sister-in-law Elaine, her nieces Janet (Vlad), Susan, Lori, and her nephew David.

Rita was born in Oshawa on October 23, 1941 to John and Laura Cardinal. She grew up spending time with her brothers John and Gerald, and playing back catcher on her softball team. A natural caregiver from the very beginning, it was only fitting that she chose a career in nursing. She graduated from St. Michael’s and remained friends with her fellow classmates her entire life.

Rita enjoyed being active and lived by the mantra “motion is lotion.” She enjoyed a good workout, especially walking and AquaFit. On a summer day, you could find Rita in her backyard pool, puttering in her flower gardens, or playing a round of golf. Rita will be remembered for her competitive and playful spirit. It is no surprise that she met the love of her life, Joe, chasing each other around the Church’s skating rink. Rita was always up for a lively card game, and was an avid curler. She joined the Oshawa Downtown Curling Club in 1975 and competed in two Ontario Mixed Championships and two Senior Mixed Championships. She led her team as skip for two Ontario Intermediate Ladies Championships and two Ontario Ladies Masters Championships.

Never one to miss out, Rita lived life to the fullest. Her love of travel took her around the world, camera in hand. A social butterfly, Rita made friends wherever she went – friendships that spanned decades, continents and countless shared stories. Her sense of adventure never faded – she floated in a hot air balloon over Egypt, snorkeled along the Great Barrier Reef, and went tubing on Lake Nipissing well into her 70s.

Rita was her family’s biggest cheerleader. She enjoyed watching her kids’ and grandkids’ many sporting events and never missed a birthday or graduation. She captured these memories in detailed photo albums and scrapbooks. She was also her family’s personal seamstress, sewing everything from Ukrainian dancing costumes to altering her own wedding dress. She took great joy in crafting her own wine, always bringing a bottle to each family gathering. Love was the centre of everything she did, even baking, of which her chocolate torte and Christmas cookies were considered favourites.

Rita’s faith was a steady anchor throughout her life. Dubbed “St. Rita” by her family, she lived her faith through service – volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul, washing linens for St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, and supporting several charities. Rita was passionate about making the world a better place, especially for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never hesitating to advocate for issues that would shape their future.

Those who knew Rita, will remember her for her kindness, generosity, and beautiful smile. Above all, Rita was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment. They will think of her every time they see a cardinal.

A visitation will be held at Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King Street West, on Tuesday, April 14, from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm. A service will take place at Oshawa Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 15 at 10:30 a.m. All are warmly invited to join the family for a reception following the service at Oshawa Funeral Home.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the staff at AgeCare Samac and Lakeridge Health who cared for Rita during her time there.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rita’s favourite charities, Covenant House or St. Vincent de Paul – Oshawa Chapter.