Rita Mary Griffin

Rita is survived by her husband of 44 years, Larry Griffin, and by her two sons Joey and Christopher, and Christopher’s wife Sophia. She also leaves behind her sisters Joyce Vivian (Albert) of Pennsylvania, Patricia Lavender (Craig) of Utah, and her brother Gregory Molloy (Beverley) of Montreal as well as countless nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her eldest sister Gwendolyn Greig (Merle).

Rita was born to Michael Molloy and Mildred Papps in Montreal, Quebec.

After moving from Montreal to Calgary with Larry, Rita and Larry married on December 19, 1980. Their two sons, Christopher and Joey, were born in 1981 and 1984 respectively. Rita moved with the family from Calgary to Red Deer to Edmonton, and eventually settled in Calgary again in 1992 where she remained until her passing.

Rita was beloved by family and friends alike. She was selfless in her love, even in her last moments her main concern was that her family members were eating their daily meals. She welcomed Sophia into the family as one of her own. Rita also loved animals having cared for her two dogs Tina and Beau, Joey’s dogs Butters and Lucy, as well as befriending many neighbourhood pets that would visit the house.

For over fifteen years until her retirement, Rita worked at the Safeway corporate office. Rita proved to be a reliable and dedicated member of the team.

Some of Rita's fondest memories were her late summer annual trips to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It meant so much to her to be with her family.

Post-retirement, Rita remained active, and you could find her on the Temple Community Center tennis and pickleball courts multiple times a week where she was the self-proclaimed neighbourhood champion.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the SPCA at https://www.calgaryhumane.ca in honour of Rita's love for animals.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4th Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.